Evelyn Macairan – The Philippine Star
April 1, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Immigration officials issued a warning about the “bitbit” human trafficking scheme, wherein Filipino women are persuaded to work in the flesh trade abroad.
In the bitbit scheme, “a frequent traveler would attempt to transport a female victim who will be deceived into working as a sex worker abroad,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.
On March 22, a male trafficker and his victim were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
They posed as cohabiting partners and attempted to depart for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
The male suspect recently traveled to Malaysia with another Filipino woman who he also claimed was his partner, based on records. The woman has not returned to the Philippines.
Authorities turned over the latest victim to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.
The suspect could face charges for violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
Tansingco recalled a 2023 case when a victim illegally boarded a sailboat in Palawan going to Malaysia.
The victim reached a hotel in Sibu, Malaysia that housed sex workers.
“She was held captive. Disturbingly, she was subjected to appalling conditions, including being denied food if she failed to satisfy the demands of her captors. She was even forced to undergo an abortion when they discovered she was with child,” Tansingco said. — Rudy Santos, Evelyn Macairan
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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