Press Release - Bong Go seeks justice for Filipino job seekers in Italy victimized by reported recruitment scam

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has demanded justice for the alleged illegal recruitment and human trafficking that has affected numerous Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) applicants 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.

"Kailangan nating siguraduhin na ang bawat Pilipino, nasaan man sa mundo, ay protektado at hindi biktima ng panloloko. Hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong klaseng krimen lalo na kung ang OFWs na tinuturing pang bagong bayani ang bibiktimahin," said Go.

"Mahirap ang mawalay sa sariling pamilya para lang mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang mga anak. Huwag natin hayaan na sa kagustuhan nilang guminhawa ang kanilang buhay ay sila pa ang maloloko ng mga mapangsamantalang mga tao," he asserted.

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

"Hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng sangkot na maging bukas at makipagtulungan sa imbestigasyon. Ang katotohanan ay dapat magdala ng hustisya sa mga salarin," he added.

As vice chairperson 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 Senator Raffy Tulfo. He emphasized his support for the need to investigate in aid of legislation to ensure such crimes do not happen again.

"Magtutulungan tayo para mas mapalakas pa ang ating mga batas laban sa illegal recruitment at human trafficking. Dapat walang makalusot, at kailangang mabigyan ng hustisya ang ating mga kababayan," he urged.

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

"Bayanihan ang kailangan para maprotektahan ang ating mga OFW. Hindi tayo titigil hangga't hindi nakakamit ang hustisya para sa kanila,"