Philippines former UN envoy faces trafficking case in US

Manila: The Philippines' former envoy to the United Nations and his family are facing charges in the United States for allegedly running a human trafficking racket.

Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr, his wife Norma, and his daughter Elizabeth Facundo have been charged before the New York Southern District Court with trafficking, forced labour, and racketeering.

The case stemmed from accusations by Marichu Suarez Baoanan, Baja's 39-year-old domestic help, that she was forced to work up to 16 hours a day and paid just $100 (Dh367) for three months of work.