Pubdate: Tue, 27 Dec 2005
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973
Author: Jun P. Yap
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CACC: CHINA RECRUITERS SUPPLYING SHABU LAB WORKERS IN RP

A concerned anti-crime group in Manila yesterday said China-based
illegal recruitment syndicates are allegedly supplying workers to many
clandestine methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) laboratories, with
Immigration officials apparently appear unaware of it.

The Citizens Action Against Crime (CAAC) said it has already asked the
Chinese Embassy to warn its citizens in China against the activities
of such syndicates.

"We have already asked the Chinese Embassy to warn their compatriots
against falling for the trap of illegal recruitment syndicates who
promise them employment opportunities in the Philippines," CAAC
chairman Teresita Ang-See said during an interview over radio station
dzEC.

She explained these syndicates usually promise Chinese with
high-paying jobs in the Philippines, and give them tourist visas to
enter the country.

But once in the Philippines, she said these syndicates usually take
away the Chinese's passports and travel documents and force them to
work.

"At best, they would be made to work as retail vendors. But many of
them are also being made to work in clandestine drug laboratories or
as drug couriers. In effect, the victims become slaves of the illegal
recruiters," she said.

She added as of the latest count, some 60 to 80 thousand Chinese enter
the Philippines illegally.

"That is one reason why we fear that for every one laboratory
discovered and raided, there are 10 more out there that remain
undetected," she said.

Worse, she said the Chinese continue to enter the Philippines with
local authorities not putting up much of a challenge.

"Now you see them everywhere, mainly in key cities. The information we
get is that they enter through San Fernando and Poro Point in La
Union," she said. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom