SSS releases 2nd batch of pension increase

 

The Social Security System (SSS) has begun releasing the second tranche of its pension increase to its 4.1 million pensioners, spending an additional ₱6 billion on pension benefits from June to August 2026.

The increase, under the Pension Reform Program (PRP), was originally scheduled for September. It follows the first tranche released September last year.

SSS pensioners as of May 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the pension increase beginning June 1, 2026, while those whose contingencies fall between June 1 and August 31, 2026, will receive their increased pension starting September 1, 2026.

Details here

Under the second tranche of the PRP, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners will receive a 5% increase.

The PRP is the first-ever multi-year pension increase in SSS history. Under the program, pensioners will receive annual increases in their pensions every September from 2025 to 2027.

Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Frederick D. Go said: “We are releasing the second tranche of pension increases ahead of schedule to support millions of pensioners and their families, helping them meet their daily needs and enjoy greater financial security sooner.”

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SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said: “With the early implementation, we hope to provide timely relief to our pensioners and their families as they continue to face every day financial challenges.”

De Claro added: “Through the PRP, SSS ensures that our pensioners have access to timely, affordable and reliable financial support when they need it most.”

Pinay’s fraud case back to square one

 

Shatin Court

A Filipina scheduled to be sentenced for two counts of conspiracy to defraud the Immigration Department is back to square one at Shatin Court, when her case was adjourned for mention after the charges were amended.

Desiree Bernabe, aged 47, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law and punishable under section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance.

Details here

The defense asked for additional time for further legal advice.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong adjourned the case to July 31 while she was freed on $500 bail.

In the first charge, Bernabe is accused of conspiring with a person known as Jacky, by “dishonestly and falsely representing to the (Immigration) Director and his officers that you had been employed by So Kam Lo as a domestic helper” and was given “permission to enter and remain in Hong Kong in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted.”

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The offence allegedly took place between an unknown day in May 2025 and 26 June 2025.

The same offense was committed again between June 26, 2025 and Oct. 22, 2025 when she allegedly conspired with Jacky and another person known as Jimmy, in lying to Immigration officers that she had been employed by Kwan  Yun Pak as a domestic helper.

TESDA, OWWA to sign deal expanding skills development for OFWs

 

TESDA trainor conducts skills assessment of OFW in Malaysia (TESDA FB page)

Top officials of the TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) are set to sign a memorandum of understanding tomorrow in Hong Kong to expand access to skills development for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families worldwide.

The MOA signing between TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez and OWWA Administrator PY Caunan will take place at the OFW Global Centre at United Centre in Admiralty. It will be witnessed by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr.

The partnership between the two government agencies marks an important milestone in institutionalizing coordinated government services for Filipino migrant workers in terms of skills training, referrals, scholarships and other benefits.

Details here

“Ang gusto natin, ibuhos palagi ang lahat ng makakaya natin para sa ating OFWs. Sa tulong ng MOA na ito, sa wakas, magiging institutionalized na ang ating coordination para sa profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, pati na rin sa employment facilitation,” said Secretary Benitez in a statement.

(We would like to give us much as we can for our OFWs. With the help of this MOA, finally, there will be institutionalized coordination for the profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, and even employment facilitation (for them).

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“Ang layunin natin sa TESDA, kasama ang OWWA, ay dapat siguraduhin na bawat patak ng pawis at bawat sakripisyo ng OFW ay magbubunga ng mas magandang oportunidad,” he added.

(TESDA, along with OWWA, aim to ensure that every drop of sweat and every sacrifice of OFWs will result in better opportunities for them).

Coinciding with the MOA signing is a competency assessment by TESDA of 63 OFWs trained in massage therapy NC II by in-house trainors of OWWA Hong Kong today and tomorrow (June 6 and 7).

Those who pass the competency test will be awarded their TESDA certificates at the end of the signing ceremony tomorrow afternoon.

OFW in Saudi Arabia undergoes skills assessment in child care with TESDA

The assessments, which were last conducted in Hong Kong by TESDA before the pandemic, are conducted free of charge under TESDA’s overseas assessment program (OAP).

The OAP which was launched in 2014 and further institutionalized through a Joint Circular in Implementing Guidelines in 2016 and amended in 2019, provides free competency assessment and certification services to OFWs on site.

The program was implemented in partnership with OWWA and the Department of Labor and Employment through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (precursor of the Migrant Workers Office of the Department of Migrant Workers).

Since its launch until end of May this year, a total of 10,468 OFWs have been assessed through the OAP, of whom 9,054 were certified for an 86.49 percent certification rate.

Through the MOA, there will also be data sharing, systems integration and joint program implementation at regional offices, migrant centers and overseas facilities, not only for OFWs but also their families.

The partnership builds on existing government efforts to expand services to OFWs, including a 2024 agreement between TESDA and DMW to facilitate the delivery of skills and livelihood training programs for OFWs and their families overseas, supporting the registration of eligible overseas training centers and access to TESDA scholarship grants.

 

DMW padlocks two Cebu firms for alleged illegal recruitment

 

Sec Cacdac and USec Olalia post closure notices at the 2 establishments

Officials of the Department of Migrant Workers led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Undersecretary Bernard Olalia personally locked down two business establishments in Cebu early on Friday, June 5, for alleged illegal recruitment.

Ordered closed were the JLPT/JFT Training and Assessment Center in Mandaue City and Anaya USA Visa Consultancy in Cebu City, after they were found to have offered jobs abroad to Filipinos without the required licenses and authority.

A statement posted on the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program said the raids were in line with the government’s intensified crackdown on unauthorized overseas employment schemes and human trafficking.

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The said laws apply to businesses that present themselves as visa consultancy firms or language training centers but offer jobs abroad to sweeten the deal.

No mention was made, however, of who were behind the operation of the two establishments. But the DMW assured that criminal complaints for illegal recruitment will be filed against the individuals behind the operations and that they will be recommended for inclusion in the agency’s list of persons and entities with derogatory records.

First to be closed was the JLPT/JFT Training and Assessment Center, located in Amanah & Sons Marketing Building along AS Fortuna Street in Mandaue City.

DMW investigators reportedly found that the center offered Japanese language training to jobseekers and charged them a training fee of Php28,500 while promising them jobs as dairy farmers, caregivers and cleaners in Japan, with monthly salaries of between Php50,000 and Php100,000.

Anaya which is based at Meridian by Avenir in Mabolo, Cebu City, was supposed to operate as a visa consultancy firm. However, it allegedly lured job applicants with promises of seasonal agricultural jobs in the United States, including fruit and vegetable pickers, poultry farming, dairy and livestock production, greenhouse work, and produce processing.

Olalia speaks with an Anaya official during the raid

The applicants were told they could earn from USD14 to USD18 per hour, and their fee included air fare, accommodation, insurance, legal assistance and meals.

In exchange, each jobseeker was charged processing fees ranging from Php150,000 to Php300,000 excluding medical examination fees.

According to DMW, investigators also found out that Anaya had been conducting orientations in Cebu and Bohol in coordination with local government units and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) partners.

The same modus was employed by another Cebu-based visa consultancy company, Opportunities Abroad, which enticed applicants to apply for student visas in Canada, but assured them they would be admitted there on a work-study program, and could bring family members along.

Opportunities Abroad and its affiliate company, Pinoy Care Visa Center, were among a number of visa consultancies cited by the DMW in 2024 for alleged illegal recruitment, and warned the public against transacting with them.

The latest operations carried out under DMW Closure Orders Nos. 13 and 14, Series of 2026, were launched after authorities confirmed that both establishments lacked the necessary permit and licence to recruit Filipinos for overseas work.

Victims or applicants of either company are urged to coordinate with DMW Region VII or the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau for legal assistance and documentation support.

The DMW also urged job-seekers to first verify any overseas job offers, and to deal only with licensed recruitment agencies and other official government channels.

 

 

 

Trial set for Pinay, Indon DH accused of illegal work

 

Shek O Store (Photo by Alex SL Lee, Google Maps photo)

A Filipina and her Indonesian fellow domestic helper today denied working illegally, setting in motion a two-day trial of their case at Shatin Court. 

Bambi Gabriel, 44 years old, and Wakinah, 48 years old,  are charged with breach of condition of stay contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance, Cap. 115, Laws of Hong Kong, and by virtue of Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations.

Magistrate Pang Leung-ting set the pre-trial review on Aug. 19 and the trial on Aug.28 and 31. He granted them bail of $1,000 each.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Keep in contact with your counsel” to prepare for the trial, Magistrate Pang advised them .

The two are accused of performing odd jobs between May 4, 2023 and August 25, 2023 at Yeung Kee Store, in Shek O Village, violating their condition of stay which bans them from doing any work other than as a domestic helper

The condition was imposed by an Immigration assistant on Gabriel on Dec. 28, 2022 and on Wakinah on March 26, 2023 when they were permitted to remain in Hong Kong for employment as a domestic helper for Tang, Pui Chun.

The prosecutor said they will present three prosecution witnesses, including officers who arrested them, and 19 videos allegedly showing them performing illegal work.

 

13 people arrested in crackdown on illegal renovation workers

 

Some of those found working illegally at renovation sites are led away for questioning

A total of 12 suspected illegal workers and one employer were arrested in a two-day sweep mounted by the Immigration Department to target those working illegally at premises undergoing renovation.

The operation was launched after immigration officers trawled social media sites where renovation services by illegal workers are being offered. After an intensive investigation, officers pretended to be customers to enquire and book the services.

Four illegal workers, all men aged 33 to 53, were subsequently arrested after they replied to the enquiries.

Separately, multiple raids were carried out on various premises under renovation, including industrial buildings and residential flats.

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Eight suspected illegal workers comprising six men and two women, aged 28 to 54, were arrested. Another woman, aged 45, was also detained on suspicion of hiring the workers.

A statement from Immigration Department said an investigation into the suspected employers is continuing.

The statement also reminded the public that illegal work is a serious offence in Hong Kong, for which the prescribed maximum sentence is between two and three years in jail and a fine of up to HK$50,000.

Aiders and abettors are liable to be charged and sentenced accordingly.

Employers face the more serious sentence of up to HK$500,000 in fine and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

To report suspected illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

 

 

Pinoy gets 1-year probation with warning

 

Eastern Magistrate's Court

A 16-year-old unemployed Filipino got off with a one-year probation for his weapons and assault charges at Eastern Court today but got a warning.

“I am giving you a chance,” Principal Magistrate David Cheung told R.S. San Jose. “If the progress is negative I will sentence you.”

His progress report, to be made to the court, is due on Oct. 5.

Basahin ang detalye!

San Jose’s first charge is possession of prohibited weapons, contrary to section 4 of the Weapons Ordinance.

He allegedly had in his possession a prohibited weapon, a metal knuckleduster when arrested on April 7, 2025 at Lockhart Road at the Junction of Cannon Street, Wan Chai.

He is also charged, along with 18-year-old Kouarouvi Ohiniko Kokou Clement, a recognizance holder from Togo, with conspiracy to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Common Law, section 39 of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance, Cap. 212, and sections 159A and 1590 of the Crimes Ordinance.

Kouakouvi is also charged with possession a dangerous drug, namely one grinder containing 0.04 grammes of cannabis in herbal form, at the same place and time.

His case has been adjourned for progress report on June 24.

Showdown looms at Senate

 

New majority of 12 senators elect Sherwyn Gatchalian as acting Senate President

Another standoff is looming at the Philippine Senate on Thursday,  June 4, after the previous minority bloc convened the 20^th session by gathering what it claimed was a majority of 12 senators, and agreed to declare all positions vacant and proceeded to vote in new leaders.

Elected as Acting Senate President and Speaker Pro Tempore was Sherwyn Gatchalian, who presided over the session in the absence of 11 other senators who had boycotted two earlier sessions in protest at the arrest for plunder and subsequent detention of their ally, Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

After the heads of the various Senate committees were elected, along with a new secretary and sergeant-at-arms, the senators adjourned the session sine die, or at a future date to be determined.

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The crucial 12^th vote came from Senator Chiz Escudero, who moved over from the other side, but denied it was not a political move, but an attempt to restore credibility to the Senate.

The new majority maintained that while the Constitution requires 13 votes for the election of a new Senate President, only a simple majority of the senators capable of casting their votes is needed to convene a session to kick out the Senate President.

As of now, only 22 of the 24 elected senators are able to physically attend sessions. One of the 24, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, is on the run after being issued with an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court, while Senator Estrada was slapped with a non-bailable charge of plunder on June 1.

Cayetano says on Facebook that he is still the 'legal, legitimate and moral' Senate president

The change in leadership was immediately condemned as illegal and unconstitutional by ousted Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced via Facebook live that the investigation by the Blue Ribbon Committee into the graft-riddled flood control projects will start Thursday.

In line with this, his sister and committee chair Pia Cayetano issued a public notice to a number of resource persons to attend the scheduled hearing.

But Alan Peter himself said his group may be barred from entering the Senate to start the inquiry, and thus called on the public to come out in force to support them.

Senator Erwin Tulfo who acts as the Senate spokesperson, said the new leadership has already rescinded Alan Peter’s order for the Blue Ribbon Committee meeting tomorrow. Instead, the committee hearing will start on Monday.

To ensure no Senate employee is caught in the crossfire between the two opposing factions, Acting Senate President Gatchalian issued an order making Thursday a work-from-home day.

The move, along with the replacement of the Senate secretary and sergeant-at-arms, effectively deprives Cayetano and sub-committee chairman Rodante Marcoleta of the chance to use Senate facilities and resources to conduct their own public hearing on the flood control mess.

Earlier, the new Senate majority called for the upper chamber to “get back to work” after the opposing bloc boycotted the two constitutionally-mandated sessions on June 1 and 2.

The new ruling group stressed that the Senate must continue fulfilling its constitutional duties despite the ongoing political turmoil.

The bloc cited legal and historical precedents in declaring that the presence of 12 members constituted a quorum, and praised Senator Escudero for filling the remaining slot that was needed for the Senate to proceed with the session.

 

Pinoy jailed for using Octopus card he found to buy $59 worth of goods

Temple Road Peak

When you find an Octopus card, never pick it up. If you do, and worse, use it for purchases, it could land you in jail.

Roel Galanza, 43 and unemployed, found an Octopus card at a public toilet and used it to purchase $59 worth of goods. He was charged with theft on two counts as Eastern Court, pleaded guilty and sentenced to jail for two months.

Galanza was charged with violating section 9 of the Theft Ordinance for which he pleaded guilty.

Basahin ang detalye!

The first charge arose after Galanza found and kept one Anonymous Elder Octopus Card and one JoyYou card, the property of Tow Peraya, outside public toilets of Tin Hau Temple Road Garden, Tin Hau Temple Road, North Point last April 6.

The next day, he made a HK$59 purchase, an amount owed by Octopus Cards Limited to the cards’ owner.

After he pleaded guilty to both charges, Principal Magistrate David Cheung sentenced him to four weeks imprisonment for stealing the cards, and two months imprisonment for using them, both sentences to run at the same time.

He was also made to pay compensation of $59.

In his court appearance today, it was also found that he had 20 previous convictions. 

Pinoy’s one-day trial for indecent assault extended

 

The one-day tri

Kowloon City Court

The trial for indecent assault of a Filipino masseur began today at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts but had to be extended to accommodate more testimonies lined up by both prosecutor and defense lawyers.

Magistrate Claudia Ng adjourned the case to June 24 and granted defendant Mark Lawas, 38 years old, bail of $5,000.

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Lawas, who is a Hong Kong resident, is accused of indecent assault contrary to section 122 (1) of the Crimes Ordinance, which provides that “a person who indecently assaults another person shall be guilty of an offense and shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 10 years.”

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The police complaint said the alleged indecent assault on another person, identified only as X, took place on Oct. 25, 2025, at a corridor of Flat A, 15/F, Kam Wa Building, 514-516 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.

First OFW Global Summit set on Jun 7

 

DMW officials announce first-ever OFW Global Summit

The Department of Migrant Workers is set to gather overseas Filipino workers, government agencies and migrant advocates for the first-ever OFW Global Summit in Quezon City on June 7, designated as Filipino Migrant Workers Day.

At a press conference Monday, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the summit aims to strengthen support systems for OFWs while recognizing their role in nation-building.

 “Alam natin na sa bawat pag-alis ng mga OFW, may pamilyang umaasa, may pangarap na binubuo, at may sakripisyong hindi laging nakikita. Ang ating mga OFWs ay hindi lamang nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya. Sila rin ay malaking bahagi ng pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” Cacdac said.

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(We know that with every departure of OFWs, there is a family hoping, a dream being built, and a sacrifice that is not always seen. Our OFWs do not only work for their families. They are also a significant part of our country's development)

He said through the OFW Global Summit, the DMW, together with OFW leaders and organizations, and partner government agencies, will showcase and provide programs and services that address the real needs of OFWs.

Cacdac said the summit will also tackle priority legislation affecting migrant workers and lessons from previous crises affecting OFWs. 

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The summit, to be held at the Quezon City MICE Center this Sunday, is expected to draw around 1,000 OFWs and connect migrant communities abroad online through livestreaming.

It will feature plenary discussions, workshops, government services, job matching programs, entrepreneurship sessions, and policy discussions focused on migrant concerns.

The DMW said the summit with the theme “Serbisyong Buo, Kalingang Totoo: Inclusive Empowerment of Global Filipinos for Resilience and Nation Building,” forms part of a month-long celebration this June.

Director Francisco Aguilar Jr., overall chairman of the summit, said the event marks a milestone for the DMW.

“Ito po yung kauna-unahang pagkakataon simula ng maitayo ang ating departamento na magkakaroon po ng ganito kalaking selebrasyon,” he said. (This is the first time since our department was established that we will have a celebration of this magnitude).

Among the participating government agencies are the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Immigration, and other partner institutions, which will also provide frontline services during the summit.

 

Deadline for 2026 ‘Likha’ business competition for OFWs set for Jun 15

 

All wannabe entrepreneurs among overseas Filipino workers for at least five years have until June 15 to take part in the 2026 Likha Global business plan contest where top prizes are at stake. 

The Linangin ang Kakayahan sa Kabuhayan Award or Likha Global Business Plan Competition is organized annually by the Department of Migrant Workers as part of its reintegration program for OFWs. It aims to help OFWs set up businesses that could provide them a stable income on their return home to the Philippines.

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An announcement just published in the Facebook page of the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong says the competition which opened last month, offers a top prize of Php500,000 as seed capital for the national winner.

Last year, an OFW from Qatar, Marisol Amihan, won the top prize of Php700,000 for her sustainable farm development proposal. First runner-up Catherine Espiriti, a domestic worker in Kuwait, received Php500,000 for her business plan for goat raising while second runner-up Jimmy Chavez, Jr. won Php400,000 for his nipa palm wine project.

Thirty-eight finalists, including three domestic workers from Hong Kong, each took home Php100,000 for their respective business plans.

The awardees in the 2025 Likha Global Business Plan Competition

To qualify, one has to be currently working abroad, has at least five years’ experience as an OFW, is documented in the latest deployment, an active member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and is not yet operating a business in the Philippines.

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All they need to present is a business idea, and if they pass the initial screening they will receive free mentoring and coaching on how they can make their dream business turn to reality.

Those interested to join may register online through this link:  https://bit.ly/likha-ofw

 

Pinoy’s drug trafficking case elevated to DC

 

HK International Airport (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino bartender charged at West Kowloon Court with drug trafficking after his luggage allegedly yielded eight kilos of marijuana when searched at the airport, returned to jail today after his case was elevated to the District Court.

Principal Magistrate  Don So adjourned the case to June 18,

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Aaron Jared de Guzman, 26 years old, faces two charges:

• Trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to section 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
• Possession of a poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List, contrary to sections 23(1), 33(1) and 34 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

De Guzman was arrested on Aug. 30 last year minutes after arrival, when Customs officers checked his luggage at the Customs Arrival Hall B at the Passenger Terminal 1 of the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok.

Found in his luggage were 8,076 grams of cannabis in herbal form.

He was also found to have in his possession a poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List, namely 5.42 grams of a liquid containing nicotine.

Filipino wanted for human trafficking arrested after repatriation from Cambodia

 

The suspect was among 7 Filipinos repatriated from Cambodia

A man who was among seven Filipinos repatriated from Cambodia on Sunday was arrested by an inter-government team shortly arriving at Manila international airport after he was found to have an existing warrant of arrest for qualified human trafficking. 

John Lerry Amit came with six victims of human trafficking to Cambodia at around 5:15am on Sunday. The group was immediately assessed individually for whatever services they could avail of from various government agencies.

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It was during the processing that Amit was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking, the details of which were not disclosed in a press statement issued by the Department of Migrant Workers.

The offence is non-bailable under Philippine law, and the prescribed maximum sentence for those found guilty of the crime is life imprisonment, and fine of up to Php5 million.

Details here

Human trafficking is classified as “qualified” in the presence of such aggravating factors as having been committed by a syndicate, where at least one victim was a minor or under 18 years old, if the victim dies or becomes insane, suffers mutilation or is infected with HIV/AIDS.

Amit was immediately read out his rights as an accused under Philippine law, and afterwards was transferred to the custody of airport police ahead of his detention and court appearance.

Basahin ang detalye!

The DMW said it continues to work with various government agencies in the campaign against illegal recruitment, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation of Filipinos abroad.

The rescue, protection and provision of legal assistance to victims is a top priority, alongside efforts to immediately arrest and hold accountable those behind illegal recruitment and human trafficking offences.