📷Mary Jane Veloso
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro has urged the prompt prosecution of the individuals who recruited Mary Jane Veloso, stressing the necessity for enhanced protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against human trafficking networks.
“While we welcome Mary Jane’s impending return, hindi pa tapos ang laban. The real perpetrators who victimized her must be brought to justice. Dapat managot ang mga taong nagsamantala at nambiktima sa kanya na maging drug mule,” Castro said.
The Deputy Minority Leader pointed out that Veloso’s situation underscores the susceptibility of OFWs to trafficking operations and the critical requirement for government action.
“Libu-libo ang mga Mary Jane Veloso sa ating bansa na napipilitang magtrabaho sa ibang bansa dahil sa kahirapan, only to fall prey to criminal syndicates. The government must address the root causes that force our people to seek work abroad under dangerous circumstances,” Castro stressed.
Additionally, she advocated for a thorough evaluation of existing government policies regarding the protection of OFWs. “We need stronger mechanisms to prevent trafficking and exploitation. Hindi pwedeng paulit-ulit na lang tayong may mga kababayan na nabibiktima ng mga sindikato.”
“The Department of Justice and other concerned agencies must fast-track the prosecution of those responsible for Mary Jane’s ordeal. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Castro concluded. (ROSE NOVENARIO)
