Sex-for-flight raps filed vs labor exec

Three OFWs testify before the Senate investigating allegations of sexual harassment against labor and foreign affairs officials in the Middle East. INQUIRER.net File Photo

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against an assistant labor attaché based in the Middle East for attempted rape and three counts of sexual abuse against three overseas Filipino workers.

The NBI recommended the charges against the official whom it did not identify after wrapping up its probe into the so-called “sex-for-flight” scheme allegedly perpetrated by certain labor officials posted in the Middle East.

Asked why the official’s identity was being withheld, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima explained that the NBI final report was flagged as ‘confidential’ in recognition of the right to privacy of those involved, and pursuant to Section 5 of Republic Act No. 8505, or the Rape Assistance Act.

“Names or actual identity of the alleged perpetrators and alleged victims are being concealed due to the nature of the offenses recommended to be filed,” De Lima said in a statement.

The NBI report was forwarded to Prosecutor General Claro Arellano for preliminary investigation.

The Senate investigated last month the sex-for-flight scheme. Among those summoned was Riyadh-based assistant labor attaché Antonio “Tony” Villafuerte, who was accused by three OFWs of sexually molesting and pimping them in exchange for plane tickets.