DSI’s Human Trafficking Crime Bureau and private networks rescues trafficked Thai labors working in casino in the Philippines

DSI’s Human Trafficking Crime Bureau and private networks rescues trafficked Thai labors working in casino in the Philippines

       On May 13, 2022, the DSI’s Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime received a rescue request from Thai people, who traveled to work in a company in the POGO (Philippines Offshore Gambling Operators) area, located in Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary, Covelandia Road, Brgy Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite, the Philippines, detailing that they were forced laborers in the human trafficking manner. The Bureau then coordinated with the Immanuel Foundation (IMF), the Destiny Rescue, the ASEAN-ACT and the Royal Thai Embassy in the Philippines until the 3 Thai men were rescued by the Philippine authority and put under protection in a shelter for trafficked victim in the Philippines.

       According to the interview of the 3 Thai male victims, they were persuaded via Facebook post to work on an island in the Philippines. When they arrived, the Chinese business owner confiscated their passports and forced them to recruit more workers. If they could not meet the quota, they were fined and forced to pay the debts. The victims also stated that there are 8 workers awaiting rescue (3 Thais, 2 Myanmeses, and 3 Laos). Subsequently, 3 more Thais were rescued making 6 rescued victims in total.

       Pol.Lt.Col. Supat Thamthanarug (a Deputy Director-General of the DSI) ordered the Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime to urgently rescue the victims and contacted the Philippine authority for informal cooperation under the international frameworks for prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons and other measures in order to prevent and suppress the crime, support and protect the trafficked victims, and further prosecute the offenders.