OFWs must be oriented on drug syndicates – lawmaker

Pangasinan Rep. Kimi Cojuangco wants labor officials to include an orientation on drug syndicates in the pre-departure seminar for thousands of Filipino workers seeking employment abroad.

In Bill 5996, she said the orientation should include the mode of operations, methods and systems being employed by drug syndicates to lure unwitting migrant workers to become drug mules.

She said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should be given practical tips on how to safeguard themselves from being victimized by drug syndicates.

“The topic should also include updates regarding cases of Filipinos involved in drug smuggling abroad, the laws of the country of destination governing illegal drugs and penalties for violations, and other relevant information,” she said.

Cojuangco filed the bill in the wake of an increasing number of Filipino workers falling victim to international and local drug syndicates.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, hundreds of OFWs are facing death sentences abroad for drug offenses.

They include Mary Jane Veloso, whose execution in Indonesia has been stayed upon last-minute appeals from President Aquino.

Cojuangco said the current predeparture seminar for Filipino workers leaving for jobs overseas does not touch on the dangers posed by drug syndicates.

It focuses mostly on the rights of the workers in their host countries and how to cope with life without their loved ones, she said.

Citing the data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, she said there are 807 Filipinos jailed in various countries due to drug smuggling as of July 2014.

“International drug smuggling has continued to plague our country for years. Syndicates prey on our OFWs and those desperate to make a living to support their family,” she said.