Dear Mr. Grava,
Thank you Sir for bringing this message to my attention. I am terribly saddened by the recent actuations of these seven (7) OFWs. How could they afford to do this to me. To think that I tried hard to help them get through with their concern, endorsing them to pro-bono lawyers, demanding the release of their final salary from their former employer, contacting the media to expose the illegal recruitment practices of the agency who recruited them in the Philippines. All these… and what have I gotten as a result. Death threats, oppression, indifference and now these accusations and insults.
What really hurts is how they treat me now. I spoke to some of them over the phone and advised them that the monthly bus passes I requested for them will be released at the end of the month of February. I asked them to provide me a copy of their working permit for OWWA’s file. They said I’m harassing them for asking them a copy verbally.
Please take note of this. OFW Ronilo Cruz insulted me by saying: “Akala ko ba kausap mo si Officer Miguel Palomino of Immigration. Doon ka na lang humingi ng kopya sa kanya” I told them na hindi ako ang kausap ni Officer Palomino kundi si Consul General Aragon. I asked them why they won’t give me a copy of their working permit. What was wrong with that? At that point, I went to my cubicle while telling them that the working permit is a public document and there is nothing wrong with sparing OWWA a copy. OFWs Norman Yaranon, Ronilo Cruz and Mario Abaday immediately told me “di bali nalang po, aalis na kami.” These three OFWs did not get their bus passes reloaded at Ralphs Store in Western Blvd. Los Angeles because they refused to listen to my explanation. The remaining four of the seven OFWs did not show up. Neither did they call to talk to me about their bus passes. So they did not get their bus passes reloaded also. I really cannot understand why there is a change of heart of these OFWs whom I sincerely helped from the very beginning. I don’t know what wrong have I done to justify their actions against me. In fact when we met again at the house of Mr. Buktaw, I humbly apologized even if I knew I did not commit any mistake. OFW Ronilo Cruz insulted me again by saying they don’t owe me anything because it is my responsibility and job to serve them. Well, ganon po talaga siguro pag tapat ka na trabahador ng gobyerno. Kadalasan ay ikaw pa ang napapasama kahit ang hangarin mo ay para sa kabutihan ng lahat. Sir, bahala napo kayo mag judge kung sino ang tama sa amin. Siguro naman po I don’t deserve to be treated like this by the people I sincerely helped.
Donn Duero
From: dcgrava@aol.com
Subject: Re: Updated report on the status of Eleven OFWs in Los Angeles
To: donn_duero@yahoo.com,owwausa@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011, 5:03 PM
Dear Mr. Duero:
I'll be writing for Pinas newspaper about the letter addressed to the Consul General written by some community leaders on behalf of the 11 OFWs dated Mar. 11, 2011, a pertinent part follows:
"Bus passes for the seven out of eleven were withheld by the OWWA officer because those seven did not agree to provide this officer with a US Government agency provided-document. As you may know, this legal document is considered personal & private to these OFWs, and unless there is an acceptable and valid reason from OWWA, the OFWs have the absolute discretion relative to its disposition. Furthermore, any such request from OWWA should have been made in a proper, professional, and official manner, rather than the verbal and harassing mode it was made on 28 February 2011."
I would appreciate your response in this regard.
Dionesio Grava
In a message dated 3/18/2011 1:57:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,owwausa@yahoo.com writes:
Sirs/Mesdames,
Please see below updated report on the eleven OFWs in Los Angeles, victims of illegal recruitment and alleged human trafficking.
Illegal Recruitment and alleged Human Trafficking Case
Against Adman Human Resources and Royal Hospitality Services, LLC.
List of Activities by OWWA USA and the Philippine Consulate General-LA
(In reverse Chronological Order)
Updated March 18, 2011 (Friday)
March 11, 2011 Friday– Received instructions from the Consul General to release the bus passes to the seven OFWs. WelOf Duero explained to Congen Aragon that he was ready to release the bus passes but three of the OFWs left his office while they were still discussing about the need to have a copy of their working permits included in their files. WelOf Duero also informed the Hon. Consul General that upon his knowledge that the Consulate’s US$ 5,000 allotted budget for the eleven OFWs was already exhausted, he immediately sent a letter to OWWA H.O. asking permission to use part of the amount slated for their shelter to buy the monthly bus passes for the eleven OFWs. OWWA H.O. approved the request for two months only (February and March). At around 6:30 P.M. upon the instruction of the Consul General, WelOf Duero and Mr. Vito Palado went to buy the seven bus passes and then proceeded to the residence of Mr. Luis Buktaw in Glendale to deliver the bus passes. WelOf Duero told Mr. Norman Yaranon and Mr. Ronilo Cruz during their meeting at the residence of Mr. Buktaw that he is sorry if they misunderstood his intentions during their meeting at the Consulate on February 28, 2011. The only purpose for requesting their work permits is to have them included in their individual OWWA files
February 28, 2011 Monday – Around 9:30 A.M. OFWs Mannuel Jusayan, Ian Dela Puerta, Ricardo Jabagat and Rufino De Guzman arrived at the Consulate, OWWA Office. They handed their working permits and WelOf Duero made copies of them. They waited for the seven OFWs to arrive but they did not come. At around 11:30 A.M., the three OFWs decided to proceed to Ralphs to buy their monthly bus passes. At around 2:30 P.M., while on his way back to the Consulate from a meeting with OFW Rufino De Guzman, WelOf Duero received a call from OFW Norman Yaranon, advising him that the three of them, OFWs Mario Abaday, Ronilo Cruz and Norman Yaranon were at the Consulate. Upon arrival at the consulate, WelOf Duero requested for their working permits so he could photocopy them. Unfortunately Ronilo Cruz told WelOf Duero “ akala ko ba kausap nyo si Officer Miguel Palomino of Immigration, doon na lang kayo humingi” (I thought you have contacts with Officer Palomino, why not ask him a copy) WelOf Duero was surprised at the response of Mr. Cruz. He immediately replied, Si Ma-am, si Congen ang kausap ni Officer Palomino (it is no me, its Ma'am, the Consul General who has communication with Officer Palomino). Then WelOfDuero asked them why are they were not willing to give him a copy of their working permit. What was wrong with that? At that point, WelOf Duero went to his cubicle while telling them that the working permit is a public document and there is nothing wrong if they will give him a copy. OFWs Norman Yaranon and Ronilo Cruz immediately told WelOf Duero “di bali nalang po, alis na kami” (never mind we are leaving now). These three OFWs did not get their bus passes because they refused to listen to WelOf Duero’s explanation.
February 25, 2011 Friday – Upon learning that the working permits were already released to the 11 OFWs, WelOf Duero requested them to provide him a copy of said permits for their OWWA file. He also told them that their Bus Passes for the month of March would be released on February 28, 2011.
February 16, 2011 Wednesday – WelOf Duero informed two of the OFWs, Mr. Rufino De Guzman and Mr. Manuel Jusayan, that their working permits are about to be released to their respective lawyers soon per information given by the Hon. Deputy Consul General Daniel Espiritu. In the afternoon, WelOf Duero received an email from Ms. Lyna Chon a lawyer from CAST, requesting him to review and sign a prepared declaration supporting the claims of the eleven victims. WelOf Duero advised the Ms. Chon that he would first review the declaration.
February 1, 2011 Tuesday – Ms. Lyna Chon, a volunteer lawyer from the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) met with WelOf Duero to discuss his knowledge about the claims of the eleven victims.
January 31, 2011 Monday – WelOf Duero met with the eleven OFWs at Ralphs in Los Angeles handing them their Metro Bus Passes. The eleven OFWs were advised that OWWA H.O. approved the requested monthly allowance for bus pass for two months only (February and March). WelOf Duero also informed the eleven OFWs that their working permits have been approved per advice from Mr. Palomino of ICE to Hon. Congen. Aragon. These would be released to their respective lawyers immediately.
January 19, 2011 Wednesday – WelOf Duero spoke again with Ms. Alicia Ekland (one of the lawyers of the Filipino victims)and informed her that on Mr. Rufino De Guzman made the necessary reply to POEA. Ms. Alicia Ekland informed WelOf Duero that they cannot give any advise to the ten (10) Filipino victims because of lack of jurisdiction. According to her the case is in the Philippines and they are not expert with Philippine laws.
January 18, 2010-Tuesday - OFW Rufino De Guzman came to the Philippine Consulate and personally prepared his reply to the POEA’s notice of hearing. He then requested WelOf Duero to send his reply to POEA. The reply of Mr. De Guzman was sent via fax to the office of POEA Administrator on Jan. 18, 2011.
January 13, 2011- Thursday, Mr. Ric Jabagat and Mr. Mannuel Jusayan came to the Philippine Consulate to advise WelOf Duero that they are still waiting for the advise of their lawyer regarding the POEA notice of hearing. WelOf Duero again reiterated and explained to them the importance of their urgent response regarding said notice of hearing to avoid the possibility of the case being dismissed for lack of interest on their part. WelOf Duero spoke and advised Ms. Alicia Ekland, (one of the lawyers in CAST) the importance for the eleven (11) Filipino victims to attend and make the necessary action with regard to the notice of hearing from POEA. Ms. Ekland promised WelOf Duero that he will make the necessary evaluation and will call WelOf Duero of their decision.
January 11, 2011Tuesday – The ten OFWs except Eutropia Velasco came to the Philippine Consulate asking for grocery supplies. Immediately PCG’s ATN, Mr. Palado, Property Officer, Mr. Cabral and WelOf Duero went to accompany the OFWs in purchasing the grocery items they choose. The total cost of the groceries is US$ 1,230.27. Mr. Palado handed them each a copy of the notice of hearing from POEA. WelOf Duero informed them of the importance to immediately attend to this notice and to send a reply advising POEA of their present situation. However, nine of them except Rufino told ATN Officer Palado and WelOf Duero that they will consult their lawyers first.
December 7th ,Tuesday -The ten OFWs except Rufino De Guzman came to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles (PCG-LA) to submit their letter request for what they call “Direct assistance in the form of a gift card worth US$300.00 each. They requested that the gift card must be from Food 4 Less or Ralphs Grocery Store. In addition they also requested another card worth US$300.00 each from Target/Ross or Costco. The total requested amount submitted by the OFWs to PCG-LA is US$ 6,000.00 (US$600 x 10 OFWs = US$6,000.00). This means the total requested amount is more than the allotted budget of US$ 5,000.00 by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. OWWA’s US$4,985.00 budget is exclusively for shelter. Please note that PCG –LA is providing them the monthly Los Angeles Metro Bus Pass allowance amounting to US$75.00 each.
During the last week of November and first two weeks of December 2010, the eleven (11) OFWs victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment were interviewed by the agents of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headed by Agent Miguel Palomino, all of them were accompanied by their respective pro-bono lawyers provided by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.
November 23rd, Tuesday – Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, Deputy Congen Espiritu, Vice Consul Reyes, ATN Officer Palado and myself met with CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking) lawyers headed by Stephanie Richard. They discussed with us the mechanics of the trafficking case. They advised us that trafficking case normally takes 6 to 12 months or even more to resolve. The lawyers mentioned that it is only the federal agents who can request for the issuance of a continued presence. They also informed us that the victims are already scheduled for interview by ICE agents.
November 19th, Friday– Around 10:00 A.M. ATN Pallado, Property Officer Cabral and WelOf Duero went to the OFWs quarters to distribute the blankets, pillows and other goods that the Consulate bought for them. After the distribution, they were joined by the two OFWs, namely Rufino De Guzman and Mannuel Jusayan and proceeded to Riverside . The Consulate bought additional groceries and other basic needs for them. The house in Riverside has four bedrooms and two toilet and bathrooms. ATN Pallado, Prop. Officer Cabral and WelOf Duero left the place around 4:15 P.M. They arrived at the Consulate around 6:05 P.M.
November 18th, Thursday - At 8:00 A.M. that morning, OWWA Welfare Officer went to the quarters of the ten OFWs and discussed the available place for them. However, almost everyone does not agree to go and live in Riverside due to its location. The city is more than 65 miles away from Los Angeles. Norman Yaranon and Khalid Velasco demanded that they be housed in a hotel. WelOf Duero explained to the OFWs that the hotel is not an option because of the excessive rate, which is not within the budget of the OWWA funds. The OFWs requested for another meeting with the Consul General. WelOf Duero went back to the Consulate and informed the Hon.Consul General Aragon, Deputy Consul General Espiritu, Vice Consul Reyes, ATN Pallado. Consul General Aragon agreed to meet with the OFWs. She then instructed ATN Pallado to fetch the OFWs.
10:00 A.M. ATN Pallado and WelOf Duero went to fetch the OFWs at their quarters. Congen Aragon hosted a luncheon meeting. During the meeting, the victims requested again that they be housed temporarily in a hotel while waiting for the final approval of their requested shelter, as according to them promised by Usec Cruz. Congen Aragon explained to them that hotel is not an option because of the limited budget. Congen Aragon emphasized to the OFWs that they should not be too selective on the temporary shelter. The Consulate and OWWA are trying their best to look for a temporary shelter for them. She also advised them to focus on the most important issue and that is their immigration status. Congen Aragon informed the OFWs that she instructed WelOf Duero to schedule a meeting with their lawyers on Tuesday November 23, 2010. She said that this is very important because the Philippine government is the one responsible for their welfare. The OFWs informed Congen Aragon that some of them will live with their relatives, explaining why they do not wish to stay in Riverside .
At around 5:30 P.M., OFW Ricardo Jabagat called and informed WelOf Duero that he and Khalid Velasco were with ATN Vito Pallado and Vice Consul John Reyes, on their way to check a house in Pasadena , which is another possible shelter for them. Pasadena is only about 15 miles away from the Consulate; however, the group rejected the place due to some inconveniences. According to Mr. Ric Jabagat, the place is alright but they would be living with other occupants in the house, so there is a risk of losing their personal belongings. Aside from that , Mr. Jabagat mentioned that the kitchen is located at the ground floor, which is far from their rooms (second floor). WelOf Duero told them that it is their choice, OWWA and the Consulate cannot force them to accept what is being offered to them.
November 17th, Wednesday – OWWA WelOf Duero, Vice Consul Reyes, ATN Pallado and three OFWs traveled to check the apartments found the previous day. In the afternoon, WelOf Duero and three OFWs, Mr. Ian Dela Puerta, Mr. Manny Jusayan and Mr. Ricardo Jabagat, went back to sign the lease contract and to pay the security deposit and initial rent. However, WelOf Duero noticed that the lease contract for the apartments was set for one year. WelOf Duero tried to negotiate for a monthly contract but the manager insisted that an annual contract is their standard policy. Deputy ConGen Daniel Espiritu assisted in negotiating with the manager without success. Instead, the manager referred the team to another apartment complex but the term of lease is also for one year. Late that afternoon, WelOf Duero brought the three OFWs to the house in Riverside, which is about one-and-a-half hour drive from the Consulate. Vice Consul John Reyes and ATN Vito Pallado decided to follow them to the facility. The three OFWs expressed their desire to stay in this house in Riverside .
November 16th, Tuesday – OWWA Welfare Officer (WelOf) Duero continued to look for a possible shelter for the eleven OFWs. A distant relative of WelOf Duero offered her vacant house in Riverside, about 65 miles away from the office of the Philippine Consulate General. Immediately WelOf Duero informed Deputy Congen Espiritu, Admin. Carmelita S. Dimzon and Labatt Luzviminda Padilla of this offer. In the afternoon, WelOf Duero went to see the victims and informed them of the available place for them to stay. Unfortunately the offer was rejected by most of the OFWs. Deputy Congen Espiritu called WelOf Duero and requested him to go back to the Consulate because according to them they were able to find two apartments within the vicinity of the Consulate. The two apartments could accommodate the eleven victims for a monthly rent of $950 for one apartment and $1,250 for another.
November 15th, Monday РHigh ranking Department of Labor and Employment officials from the Philippines came to meet with the eleven OFWs at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles . The officials, headed by Undersecretary Danilo Cruz, OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon, Labor Attach̩ Luzviminda Padilla and together with Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, met with the eleven (11) OFWs victims of illegal recruitment and alleged human trafficking, who were accompanied by several group leaders/representatives. Usec.Cruz promised the eleven victims of his support, mentioning the release of US$5,000.00 OWWA funds to use for their immediate needs and which may be used to finance their temporary shelter. Congen Aragon also discussed the release of the same amount, US$ 5,000.00 funds from the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs. This amount will be used to shoulder their daily basic needs. Congen Aragon and Usec. Cruz promised the OFWs that an inquiry with the FBI will be made immediately, with Congen Aragon making immediate representation with the heads of FBI Los Angeles to verify the status of their investigation of this case. Before the meeting ended, Usec Cruz instructed Welfare Officer Duero to look for a possible shelter for the eleven OFWs and to closely coordinate the matter with the officials of the Philippine Consulate General. Congen Aragon also instructed ATN Head, Vice Consul John Reyes and ATN Vito Pallado to assist OWWA USA in finding shelter for the alleged victims. The instruction was that OWWA USA will finance the temporary shelter of the eleven (11) OFWs. Usec Danilo Cruz, Admin. Carmelita S. Dimzon and Labor Attache Padilla approved the use of the US$5000.00 OWWA funds to finance the temporary shelter for the eleven victims.
November 12th, Friday – WelOf Duero called the office of Catholic Charities Regional Director Hector Briones to follow up request for shelter assistance without success. WelOf Duero under the instructions of Labatt Padilla called another shelter in Long Beach , which is administered by Ms. Anna Tatter. Ms. Tatter advised WelOf Duero that her facility is fully occupied but assured that she would call him as soon as there is vacancy. Ms. Tatter advised WelOf Duero, however, that it is very hard to look for a shelter at this time because of they are all occupied due to cold weather conditions.
Earlier in the day Pastor Mored and the ten OFWs visited the Consulate for a scheduled meeting with Consul General Mary Jo Aragon. Unfortunately, Congen Aragon had an emergency so she was represented by Deputy Consul General (DCG) Daniel Espiritu. During the meeting the Pastor informed DCG Espiritu of his plight and requested that shelter be provided to the ten victims. The victims informed DCG Espiritu of the following:
o It is not true that there is shelter available for them in Biloxi , Mississippi
o There is only one victim in Mississippi who is presently provided by the Catholic charities with a monthly allowance equivalent to about US$ 300. The victim is presently jobless that makes him qualified to a monthly financial assistance.
o The 10-victims said that there is no way you would qualify to a monthly allowance if you have a job.
o They were all offered a shelter by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST). However, since the place looked like a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, they decided not to accept the offer.
o They are asking the Philippine government for support and approval to their request for a temporary shelter even for at least six months.
o They are requesting the Consulate to call the attention of high ranking officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation for expedited assistance. OWWA WelOf Duero informed DCG Espiritu that it is necessary for the Philippine Consulate General to make representation over the case since it has been more than two months already from the time the case was initially reported to FBI Los Angeles . WelOf Duero requested DCG Espiritu to request the Consul General’s approval and to call the heads of FBI Los Angeles for immediate assistance.
November 11th, Thursday - Veteran’s Day, a non-working holiday in the US . WelOf Duero received a call from Pastor Mored, owner of the place where the ten (10) OFWs are presently sheltered. Pastor Mored informed WelOf Duero that he is leaving US for the Philippines and Hong Kong the following week and that he wanted the ten OFWs to vacate his place immediately for reasons that his family might be put in danger while he is away. Immediately, without delay, WelOf Duero went to their place of residence in Los Angeles . Upon arrival, WelOf Duero saw Mr. Tony Dorono of the Filipino Migrant Center with the victims. Pastor Mored was not around. Mr. Dorono told WelOf Duero that since the Philippine government is not willing to help in providing shelter to the victims, he offered to take charge of the victims. In fact, he was prepared to take them with him that day. WelOf Duero explained to the OFWs and to Mr. Dorono that the victim’s request for aid has been submitted to Labor Attaché Padilla and he was positive that Labatt Padilla was going to endorse it to the Secretary of Labor.
Mr. Dorono and the ten (10) OFWs agreed to wait for a few days, informing WelOf Duero that if no budget for shelter is provided within the following week, they are going to join Mr. Dorono of the Filipino Migrant Center . At around 2:30 p.m., Pastor Mored arrived and WelOf Duero requested Pastor Mored to allow the ten victims to stay for at least another week which the Pastor immediately acceded. Immediately, WelOf Duero tried to look for possible shelters for the victims in Los Angeles . WelOf Duero spoke to Catholic Charities Regional Director Hector Briones but was told that his office could not promise anything except that they may be able to accommodate the two ladies only. The husband and wife and the 6 men would be a problem. He told WelOf Duero to give him a call again the following day November 12, 2010.
November 10th, Wednesday - The Philippine Consulate General called for a press conference to discuss the consular activities for the month of October 2010. Also included is the issue on Human Trafficking. During the press conference the Consul General discussed the issue of human trafficking and promised to extend full support to the eleven (11) victims.
November 4, Thursday - Met with Hon. Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon-PCG LA, Deputy Consul General, Mr. Daniel Espiritu, Vice-Consul John Reyes and OWWA WelOf Donn C. Duero. The Consul General informed us that the Office of DFA’s UnderSecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs approved a budget for the 11 victims in the amount of US$ 5,000.00 to be used to buy basic needs like food, clothing and medicines.
November 2, Tuesday- Deputy Speaker Erin Tanada requested OWWA USA through Mr. Rhonie Laigo of Balita Media for a private meeting with the eleven (11) victims. OWWA USA , together with PCG-LA ATN Mr. Vito Palado, brought the victims to the venue of the meeting in Hattaway Hills in Los Angeles . Each of the 11 victims was interviewed by Deputy Speaker Tanada. The Victims requested Deputy Speaker Tanada to assist them in following up their request for assistance for food and shelter from OWWA. Deputy Speaker Tanada assured the victims that he would do his best to help them and that he would coordinate with OWWA, DOLE and DFA to pursue the complaints about the illegal recruitment and alleged human trafficking practices by some recruitment agencies and individuals in the Philippines .
Deputy Speaker Tanada requested for copies of the victim’s sworn statements and their contract of employment with the company that petitioned them from OWWA USA Welfare Officer Donn C. Duero. On November 3, 2010, OWWA Welfare Officer Duero went to Los Angeles International Airport and met with Deputy Speaker Tanada and handed him his requested documents.
October 28th, Thursday -OWWA USA received an email from Labor Attache Padilla, instructing him to inform the victims of their option to go back to Biloxi , Mississippi . With her permission, I forwarded her email to the victims for their reference. I also requested Labor Attache Padilla to meet with the victims by telephonic conference so that she could personally discuss the option with them, which she generously complied. The victims, however, did not agree with this option, saying that the reason they left Mississippi is because they did not feel safe there and that they could no longer do the job of cleaning at least 14 huge rooms per day.
October 25th, Monday- OWWA USA brought one victim OFW Ian Dela Puerta to the office of FBI in Los Angeles . The two FBI agents interviewed OFW Dela Puerta who is represented by two volunteer lawyers from Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.
October 21st, Thursday – OWWA USA was invited to a meeting with several community leaders and priests from different congregations in Los Angeles County . The meeting was conducted at a United Methodist Church in Los Angeles . The community leaders and priests expressed their concern over these illegal recruitment activities in the Philippines . I explained to them that I am presently coordinating the matter with DOLE and OWWA and that these agencies are working on resolving this issue. The meeting lasted for 4 hours.
October 18th Monday– OWWA USA met with the Coalition Against Slavery and Human Trafficking organization at their office in Los Angeles . Atty. Alicia Elkland advised us that they are reviewing this case, and will inform us of any updates soon.
October 14th, Thursday - Together with two victims, namely Rufino de Guzman, Jr. and Eutropia Velasco, OWWA USA was invited to meet with several FBI agents at their office in Los Angeles , CA . The meeting lasted almost 5 hours as the FBI agents interviewed the two victims rigorously. They advised us that they will coordinate the case with FBI agents in Mississippi because the crime was committed there. However, they informed us that that they will continue to participate in the investigation of this case and the victims need not go back to Mississippi for security reasons.
October 8th Friday - Father Albert Avenido from Monterey Park invited OWWA USA to a meeting at his residence. He expressed concern over the plight of the eleven victims. He promised to ask his parishioners to donate food and even financial assistance. I emphasized to him that if there is any financial assistance, it must be given directly to the victims and not through me;
October 5th Tuesday - I brought two of the victims, namely Rufino de Guzman, Jr. and Norman Paul Yaranon, to the US Department of Labor for interview. Assistant District Director Francisco Ocampo and Labor Investigator Michael interviewed them for almost 3 hours. After the interview, both Mr. Ocampo and Mr. Michael informed us that they will coordinate the case with Labor office in Mississippi because the violation was committed there. However they advised us that they will participate in the investigation because the victims are presently in Los Angeles ;
October 4th, Monday – Met with three agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Los Angeles together with one of the victims, Mr. Norman Yaranon. The agents assured us of their assistance in coordinating this case with the FBI;
September 29thWednesday – Met with Mr. Francisco Ocampo, Deputy District Director of the US Department of Labor in Los Angeles . Mr. Ocampo advised us that he would be conducting another interview of Mr. Rufino on October 5, 2010;
September 28thTuesday - Met with eleven victims at their temporary shelter in Los Angeles to give them assurance that OWWA USA would attend to their case;
September 27th, Monday - Met with several FBI agents at the Federal Building (Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation) in Los Angeles . We discussed about the case of the 11 victims and the FBI agents promised to investigate into this case.
September 24th Friday- The eleven OFWs allegedly victimized by Adman Human Resources in Manila and Royal Hospitality Services in Biloxi, Mississippi were brought to a nonprofit organization, Coalition Against Slavery and Trafficking located in Los Angeles, CA for legal assistance. They were all interviewed by volunteer lawyers. According to Alicia Elkland, the head of this organization, this is a standard procedure practiced by them to assess the validity of their claim of human trafficking.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment