Tuesday, June 25, 2013

OFWs in sex-for-fly scandal called to file criminal charges against government officials

PRESS RELEASE
25 June 2013

In the light of sex-for-fly schemes expose of Akbayan Representative Walden Bello and revelation of certain victims, the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) is calling on all women OFWs sexually abused, prostituted and exploited in any way by government personnel in the Middle East and North Africa to file criminal charges against them. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs in a statement said that it will conduct investigations, review existing rules and operating procedures, increase capacity for intelligence-gathering, and re-orientation lectures and re-orientation on gender sensitivity, sexual harassment and human rights.

“We agree that the DFA should be doing these, and about time.  But those who are found involved and found guilty should be both held administratively and criminally liable,” asserted PM Secretary-General Judy Ann Miranda.  “Hindi uubra ang simpleng pagtanggal, suspensyon o paglilipat ng opisina sa mga government personnel na ito.  Kung kaya hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng biktimang OFWs na mag-sampa ng kasong criminal.  These government personnel should be punished and jailed,” she added.


Ms. Miranda explained that there are numerous groups and individuals who would be willing to help to make sure that justice is served for the women OFWs.

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