The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has committed to taking swift action against syndicates that exploit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and senior citizens, following a meeting between NBI Director Jaime Santiago and incoming Senator Erwin Tulfo.
Santiago gave his assurance after Tulfo raised several complaints involving scams that have victimized both groups. The NBI chief urged victims to report incidents immediately so the bureau can act on them.
“Bukas po lagi ang office namin sa mga OFW at senior citizens na naloko ng mga sindikato at itinakbo ang kanilang ipon,” Santiago said, emphasizing the agency’s readiness to help. “Magtutulungan po kami ng opis ni Senator Erwin para matugunan ang mga problemang ito ng OFWs at seniors.”
Tulfo, known for championing the rights of marginalized Filipinos, stressed how OFWs often struggle to seek justice due to the limited time they spend in the Philippines during vacations.
“Ang problema kasi ng mga OFWs natin, hindi nila alam papaano habulin ang suspek dahil limited ang araw nila sa bakasyon dito sa ating bansa,” he explained.
He also pointed out that elderly victims are often too weak or physically incapable of pursuing those who scammed them.
Once the new Senate session opens in July, Tulfo vowed to push for a bill that would impose life imprisonment on individuals who defraud OFWs and senior citizens of their savings.
