Ex-diplomat implicated in human trafficking

Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a former envoy in a human trafficking ring.

In a statement, the foreign office said the DFA's position against human trafficking, slavery and forced labour had been consistent.

The statement came in reaction to reports implicating former Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations, Lauro Baja, in the racket.

A civil case was filed before the New York Southern District Court against Baja, his wife Norma, daughter Elizabeth Baja-Facundo, as well as the envoy's travel agency Labaire International.

The suit stemmed from complaints of trafficking, forced labour, and racketeering by their maid, Marichu Suarez Baoanan.

Privilege abuse

The 39-year-old Baoanan had alleged that Baja's firm Labaire International had facilitated her entry to the United States in 2006 by using the envoy's diplomatic privilege to hire and recruit personnel from the Philippines.

Under labour rules, Filipino diplomats can recruit personnel from the Philippines to serve in their own household.

In the civil case she filed against the Bajas and their travel agency, Baoanan, a registered nurse, said she had paid P250,000 to her recruiters so that she could enter the US legally.

While serving as maid to the family that facilitated her entry to the US, she said she was to serve them 16 hours a day and was paid only $100 for three months of work.