MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Six minors who were illegally employed in Lanao del Sur were rescued by elements of the 65th Infantry Battalion, authorities said.
The minors said they were recruited by a relative from Marawi City in June. However, they had no idea they would be hired as porters for a beverage retailer.
They said they were paid a monthly salary of a little more than P1,000.
In just 3 weeks in service, the minors said the employer’s relative have been abusing them.
“Kung walang kita, hindi kami pakakainin. Kapag umalis daw kami papatayin nila kami,” said one of the victims.
“Sabi ko masakit ang aking tiyan, sabi niya umaarte lang daw ako. Kaya tinutukan niya ako,” said another.
The victims’ families sought help from soldiers of the 65th Infantry Battalion who immediately took action.
“Iligal ‘yung pagpasok nila sa pagiging helper kaya nagkakaroon ng pag-abuso,” said Capt. Orlando Gil Marquez Jr., public affairs officer of the 65th Infantry Battalion.
The employer denied the accusations of abuse but agreed to release the children.
Authorities urged the victims’ families to file charges against the employer. — Report from Roxanne Arevalo, ABS-CBN Iligan
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
