Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday ordered all Philippine Overseas Labor Office officials to focus on and prioritize the build-up of cases against suspected illegal recruiters and human traffickers, a press release from DOLE said.

"I want immediate results on cases that are clearly solvable if only you can build them up with detail that can stand before the courts," Baldoz said after hearing the testimonies of illegally recruited Pinoys at the Filipino Workers Resource Center at the POLO in Amman, Jordan.

Baldoz, who is in the Middle East to sign labor cooperation agreements, signed a protocol with Jordan Labor Minister Maher Al Waked yesterday.

She will also sign a memorandum of understanding on labor cooperation with his Lebanese counterpart, Dr. Charbel Nahhas tomorrow, the press release said.

Baldoz had visited the POLO's FWRC in Amman and talked to some 50 Filipinos who had ran away from their employers due to various reasons, such as low or unpaid salaries, physical abuse, overwork, and other violations, the press release also said.

Baldoz also instructed OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon, who is with the Philippine delegation, to provide those who will be repatriated with comprehensive reintegration assistance, such as those offered free under the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay program, the press release added.*

back to top