CIDG hunts cohorts of recruiters nabbed for human trafficking

MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is hunting the cohorts of the recruiters of five Filipinas, including a minor, who were hired as domestic helpers in Taiwan but ended in a prostitution den in Xiamen, China.

 Ester Salazar, 38, and Referato Bucar, 35, the alleged recruiters of the victims were arrested during follow-up operations shortly after the victims arrived in the country on Nov. 25.

In his report to CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., CIDG-NCR chief Senior Superintendent Joel Coronel said the arrest was made in cooperation with the Chinese police and Philippine consulate general in Xiamen, led by Consul General Angelito Cruz and Senior Superintendent Jovic Ramos, PNP Attache to the Philippine embassy in Beijing.

 The victims said that Bucar and Salazar recruited them to work as domestic helpers in Taiwan last month. They left the country on Nov. 15 and stayed in a hotel in Xiamen where they were given a salon makeover and asked to wear sexy outfits and high heel shoes.

The victims also claimed an alleged syndicate member, identified as Melody Castillo, asked them to pay P200,000 for the makeover.