(Photo courtesy of DMW)
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is closely monitoring the cases of 51 Filipinos detained in Cambodia for their alleged involvement in illegal scam operations, emphasizing that those found guilty must be held accountable while ensuring protection for possible human trafficking victims.
In a statement Wednesday evening, the DMW said 28 Filipinos are being held in Sihanoukville on felony charges aggravated by organized crime, which carry prison sentences of five to 10 years upon conviction.
Another 23 Filipinos detained in Battambang are facing misdemeanor charges punishable by two to five years of imprisonment.
The figures were presented by DMW Undersecretary Darlene Pajarito during a briefing with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and other senior officials.
Cacdac stressed that the government would not tolerate Filipinos who knowingly participate in fraudulent activities abroad, while assuring that individuals who were deceived, trafficked or forced into illegal operations would receive appropriate protection.
“Hindi natin kukunsintihin ang sinumang Pilipinong sadyang nakikilahok sa mga ilegal na scam operation. Dapat managot sa batas ang mga mapapatunayang sangkot dito,” Cacdac said.
He emphasized that authorities must distinguish between individuals who voluntarily engage in criminal activities and those who become victims of trafficking or exploitation.
“Ngunit mahalaga ring matukoy at maprotektahan ang ating mga kababayang naloko, na-traffic, o pinilit na magtrabaho sa mga ganitong operasyon,” he added.
The DMW chief assured that the government would uphold the right to due process and apply the non-punishment principle to Filipinos identified as trafficking victims.
Under the principle, trafficking victims should not be penalized for unlawful activities they were compelled to commit as a direct consequence of their exploitation.
The agency said the detained Filipinos have already undergone pre-trial proceedings, with legal and other assistance being provided through the Migrant Workers Office in Cambodia and its retained legal counsel, HBS Law Firm.
The Cambodian court is expected to issue a decision on December 6 on whether the charges against the detainees will be dismissed or the cases will proceed to trial.
The DMW maintained that it would continue monitoring the legal proceedings and coordinating assistance for the detained Filipinos while ensuring that their rights are protected under applicable laws.
