Other diplomatic outposts in the clear on abuse–DFA

DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—There were no reports of sex-related offenses at a few other Philippine missions abroad as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continued its investigation into allegations of “sexploitation” at shelters for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.

DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said consultations with Philippine envoys to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong did not turn up any reports of sex offenses from OFWs staying at halfway houses where they await repatriation.

“We just concluded a fact-finding consultation with the heads of posts of Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. We are happy that these three posts do not have reports of sex-related offenses committed by post personnel against the wards in their respective Filipino Workers Resource Centers (FWRCs),” Hernandez said in a statement Friday afternoon.

He said the shelters in these countries “appear to be adequately protective of their wards.”

On orders of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, the DFA called home the envoys in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong to report any sexual abuse of OFWs in their posts.

The consultations last Friday followed a similar session with 13 envoys from Philippine missions in the Middle East and Africa last weekend, which was initiated following revelations by Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello of sexploitation going on at certain FWRCs.

From the inputs of the 16 envoys, the DFA will draw up recommendations for President Aquino and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), said Hernandez.

“On the basis of the consultations that we had, we will be coming up with recommendations to be submitted to the President and Dole on best policies and practices covering the management and operations of FWRCs,” he said.

Bello first revealed the alleged “institutionalized” sexual exploitation of women OFWs in shelters in Jordan, Kuwait and Syria two weeks ago, prompting an investigation by the DFA and Dole.

No complainants have surfaced so far from the shelters in those countries, but officials tagged in the alleged scheme have been recalled amid an ongoing investigation.

Three women have meanwhile accused a Philippine labor official in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, of soliciting sex from them and pimping them to clients in exchange for airplane tickets home.