The Philippines recently repatriated 55 women, who were allegedly trafficked to Syria and had to work in abusive conditions, before they fled for their lives.
The 55 women sought refuge at the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, where they were sheltered for nearly two years before being sent home, according to a Washington Post report in January.
However, after reports that these women were also allegedly mistreated at the embassy shelter, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr tweeted that such an incident would never happen again as the shelters in all wards would be emptied on the very next flight out.
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Meanwhile, Locsin warned that “Hell is coming” and that he would “wring the necks” of the embassy staff responsible for this incident.
Local news stated that the Philippine government had transferred the ambassador to Syria, Alex Lamadrid, and other embassy staff.
The Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines launched an investigation on March 2021 to look into allegations of its officers being involved in the trafficking of 44 women to work in Syria.
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A Senate inquiry led by Senator Risa Hontiveros heard that the women got tourist visas and had been promised work in Dubai, but were instead “locked up” inside a dark, dirty dormitory where they slept on the floor.” When their 30-day visas expired, the women were sent to Damascus where they were sold to employers for as much as $10,000.
Hearing the gruesome details of the women’s suffering, Senator Risa Hontiveros remarked “Our immigration officers seem to be sending our women into slavery.”
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry had stated in June that dozens of women fled “from harsh working conditions” to the Philippine embassy in the Syrian capital.
Around 28 immigration officers were under investigation over their alleged involvement in the incident, it stated, adding that it is unclear how many more Filipina women continue to remain locked in indentured servitude in Syria. (AW)
