3 women nabbed for human trafficking; 137 rescued

MANILA, Philippines — Three women were arrested and at least 137 victims, including 25 minors, were rescued when National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents raided two apartments in Pasay City on Saturday, an official said yesterday.

Vicente de Guzman, NBI deputy director for investigative service, said the victims were illegally recruited as domestic helpers and kept in the apartments.

He said the minors were waiting for their flight to Riyadh when they conducted the raid. 

The NBI learned of the scheme after immigration officers accosted one of the minors at the airport last May 4.

Patricia Lambino alias “Mommy,” Rosie Lopez and Marilyn Filomeno, who all work for Global Connect Manpower Resources, were arrested and charged.

One of the rescued victims said she had been staying in the apartment and was just waiting for her flight.

She said she would rather work as a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia rather than marry early.

The NBI said Global Connect has been recruiting the victims and processing their documents, including giving pre-departure seminars and issuing Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training certificates.

De Guzman said most of the recruits came from impoverished areas in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur and Cotabato.