Press Release
March 16, 2021

OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
OUTBOUND PASTILLAS

Magandang umaga po sa lahat. Nang huli tayong nagtanungan tungkol sa pastillas scam, nabanggit ko sa inyo na ang sunod naming hahabulin at iimbestigahan ay ang outbound racket ng mga kurakot na empleyado sa loob ng Bureau of Immigration. Over time, we have collected THREE personal accounts of how Filipina women became victims of human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation-- aided by corrupt immigration counters in our borders. Nakausap namin sina Alice, Belen, at Carol, hindi nila tunay na pangalan. All three are Filipino women trafficked in Syria-- they never consented to being brought to the war-torn country.

Just a quick note, these women talked to members of my staff even while they are still in Syria. Yes, nasa Syria pa rin sina Alice, Belen, at Carol, in the homes of their employers. They're really brave talking to us despite the risks. At ngayong umaga, handa na po kaming ibahagi sa inyo ang pahayag ng isa sa kanila. Narito po ang salaysay ni Alice.

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