4 Negros women held by prostitution ring

September 20, 2004

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines - Four Negrense women who were forced into prostitution were being held by a syndicate in Sabah, Malaysia, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Friday.

Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Negros Occidental, 5th district) said he was informed by the OWWA that the women were still in Sabah and efforts would be made to rescue them.

The women, who are natives of Hinigaran, Himamaylan, Cauayan and Candoni, were recruited to work in karaoke bars in Sabah but ended up in prostitution dens.

Provincial officials learned about their plight when one of the women was able to send a text message to Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco saying that they were duped by their recruiter and had become victims of white slavery.

Former provincial board member Enrique Montilla, who has been assisting Arroyo in the search for the four, said "the OWWA has confirmed that they are still in the clutches of a syndicate that has forced them into prostitution."

help of the Malaysian ambassador if this was necessary.

Former Rep. Apolinario Lozada, who now hosts the weekly "OFW Hotline" television show over ANC cable channel, said Malaysian Embassy officials had given assurance that they would trace the women.

Gov. Joseph Marañon advised women applying for jobs abroad to be careful so that they would not fall into the hands of unscrupulous recruiters.

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