Syndicate recruits Filipinos to offshore gaming in Laos – gov’t agencies

Metro Manila, Philippines — Filipinos have been recruited by a syndicate to work in offshore gaming operations in Laos, government agencies said.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are working to locate the syndicate.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said Philippine Ambassador to Laos Deena Joy Amatong discovered the scheme as she facilitated the repatriation of affected Filipinos.

Cacdac said victims have been identifying a Filipino recruiter.

“Tingin ko mahalaga dito iyong pagsugpo niyan,” he said in a forum on Saturday, Oct. 12.

[Translation: I think what is important is to curb this.]

“Kada uwi ng mga pinapauwi ni ambassador ay kinukunan natin ng statement sa ating Anti-Illegal Recruitment Unit at pagkakuha natin ng statement, may tinukoy silang Philippine element or Philippine recruiter and na-submit natin kaagad. Ini-endorse natin kaagad sa DOJ for the appropriate filing of complaints sa piskalya,” he added.

[Translation: Each Filipino that the ambassador sends home, we ask for their statement through the Anti-Illegal Recruitment Unit. They were identifying a Philippine element or recruiter, and we endorsed it immediately to the DOJ for filing of complaints to the fiscal.]

To date, 160 Filipinos in offshore gaming operations in Laos have returned to the Philippines.