By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating reports of Filipinos trafficked abroad and forced into military service.
The investigation aims to identify and dismantle syndicates and build strong cases against those responsible.
In a statement on Friday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he has instructed local police units to work closely with foreign counterparts.
“We are looking into the details of these reports to come up with the best strategies in protecting our kababayan (countrymen) from this modus in coordination with other government agencies and foreign counterparts,” he said.
Reports indicate victims were recruited for legitimate overseas jobs, but their contracts were later replaced, forcing them to enter foreign militaries.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking first flagged the pattern, prompting coordination among law enforcement agencies.
Nartatez urged victims and witnesses to come forward, stressing that timely reporting is crucial to stop these groups and ensure justice.
“The PNP urges the public to immediately report any knowledge of these activities so we can act on these concerns right away,” he said.
He also urged jobseekers to stay vigilant, noting that many schemes begin with seemingly legitimate online job offers designed to exploit vulnerable individuals. (PNA)
