Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has warned human traffickers against victimizing people looking for jobs abroad.
De Lima's warning came on the day human trafficiking victim "Jona" arrived in the Philippines from Hong Kong, where she was forced to work illegally.
"I warn human trafficking syndicates not to test nor underestimate the resolve and will of this government to go after and prosecute them," De Lima said on Monday.
Jona entered Hong Kong in 2008 after she was promised a job as a caregiver for the aging mother of her recruiter's sister-in-law.
Instead, Jona went to the employ of a Chinese couple for two years, with her passport being kept from her. Jona had previously pleaded the couple to let her return to the Philippines after she fell ill but to no avail.
Her employer allowed her to leave when her father died. The couple also warned Jona not tell anybody about her illegal stay and the treatment she received while in Hong Kong.
Jona eventually faced a Shatin Court in Hong Kong for charges of overstaying and working without necessary permits.
The DOJ had to extend legal assistance to Jona, who was safely repatriated to the Philippines Monday night, with DOJ officials welcoming her at the airport.
"The government and our partners are determined to protect the rights and interests of Filipinos even beyond our borders," De Lima said.
The Justice secretary vowed to "mobilize the resources of government and our private sector partners to make sure there will be no repeat of cases similar to this."
DoJ Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, head of the DOJ-led Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, said Jona's case proved that victims of human trafficking still trust the goverment to solve their woes.
"We appreciate the cooperation give by Jona. We intend to reinforce that trust as we continue to pursue similar cases even more aggressively," Salazar said. — Mark Merueñas/RSJ, GMA News
