Shiela Endong, the 33-year-old victim of human trafficking presented to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello during his recent visit to the UAE could not be flown home anytime soon as she has yet to settle fines in connection with having overstayed for seven months, The Filipino Times learned.
The Cooperation among Filipino Foreign Recruitment Agencies (CAFFRA), which has committed to pay for Endong’s plane ticket, will pool their resources together to pay the penalty fee.
“Within this week po ang commitment ng aming officers and members para maibigay ang penalty sa POLO OWWA na nagha-handle ng case,” said CAFFRA.
“Magtutulong tulong po kami para sa penalty at nakikipag-coordinate po kami sa POLO OWWA kung magkano na aabutin ng penalty nya bukod po sa ticket nya,” the group added.
Sources privy to UAE immigration rules said Endong can waive the penalty but would be deported instead in which case she may not be allowed back. There is no jail term involved, said the knowledgeable source. “Makaka-aluis siya in the evening,” the official added.
Endong was lured to UAE by a recruiter who also was a family friend and who as well paid for her plane fare and visit visa.
In her tertimony before Bello, she alleged that corrupt Philippine Immigration officials and fly-by-night recruiters connive to operate the human trafficking ring. Endong was working for an employer as a domestic helper during the seven months she was overstaying on a visit visa, TFT was told. (JD)
Photo Caption: Shiela Endong (L) with a friend.
