Go wants justice for duped OFWs in Italy

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go has demanded justice for victims of alleged illegal recruitment and human trafficking affecting many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Italy.

The Philippine consulate in Milan and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have now intervened to assist the over 400 job seekers, who have been victimized by the illegal recruitment scheme, which reportedly involves Alpha Assistenza SRL.

Go has urged the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to extend their full support to the affected individuals. He has also called on the Department of Justice (DoJ) to conduct a rigorous investigation into the matter.

«We need to ensure that every Filipino, wherever they are in the world, are protected and they do not fall prey to scams and fraud,» said Go in Filipino.

The senator also highlighted the importance of cooperation and transparency in the ongoing probe.

As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, Go said he is willing to participate in a Senate hearing regarding the illegal recruitment issue following a resolution filed by Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

He emphasized his support for the need to investigate the issue (in aid of legislation) to ensure such crimes do not happen again.

The senator also called for a collective effort to safeguard the rights of Filipino workers worldwide.

Legal aid to victims

The government has already promised legal aid to the scammed Filipinos in Italy, while Italian lawyers are set to assist the victims in filing a class suit against the accused firms. The DMW is also collaborating with the DoJ to document and investigate the complaints.

Reportedly, the victims were lured into paying large sums of money in exchange for employment in hotels and restaurants in Italy. But after payments to Alpha Assistenza SRL were done, they found out their work permits were fake. When they demanded a refund, they were issued checks that bounced.

On its website, Alpha Assistenza SRL claims to provide immigration services, working through «effective regulation of immigration and citizenship consultants» and promoting the use of authorized immigration representatives.

Alpha Assistenza SRL has vowed to cooperate with the