HONG KONG — For nearly two years, Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong have been fighting for justice in a high-profile illegal recruitment and trafficking case linked to former Cebu City councilor Prisca Niña Mabatid and her associates. Despite repeated pleas to Philippine authorities, the victims say they have been met with inaction, leaving them without financial aid or accountability for the alleged perpetrators, according to a statement from United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-Migrante Hong Kong).
The case, which began in July 2023, involves Mabatid, her partner Russ Mark Gamallo, Bryan Calagui, and others accused of defrauding and exploiting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through visa consultancy firms Pinoy Care Visa Center and Opportunities Abroad Visa Processing Services. UNIFIL claims the firms scammed at least 20 workers in Hong Kong, promising jobs that never materialized and leaving victims financially devastated.
“Almost two years have passed, and the victims are still waiting for justice,” said Dolores Balladares, chairperson of UNIFIL, in a press release issued Friday. “Where is the recognition of the hardships and contributions of OFWs? They are victimized, yet they struggle to get justice.”
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has acknowledged the victims’ claims of illegal recruitment and trafficking, with DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac previously confirming their status as victims. However, UNIFIL alleges that no arrests have been made despite a warrant issued for Mabatid’s arrest. The group also criticized the Marcos administration and the DMW for failing to act decisively, noting that Mabatid and Gamallo were even able to run in the recent May 2025 midterm elections, though both lost their bids.
Victims have staged multiple protests in Hong Kong and sought assistance from the Philippine Consulate, only to be redirected to authorities in the Philippines. Adding to their frustration, UNIFIL reported that Acting Labor Attaché Tony Villafuerte recently informed some victims that their complaints had been downgraded to “fraud” rather than trafficking, potentially weakening their case after years of advocacy.
“Why is this happening? Whose side is our government on?” the UNIFIL statement read, accusing the government of prioritizing fees collected from OFWs while ignoring their plight. “It’s clear negligence. The government favors greedy illegal recruiters like Mabatid.”
The group also expressed disappointment over the lack of financial support from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, designed to aid distressed OFWs. Victims have received no compensation, despite enduring financial losses and emotional hardship.
UNIFIL vowed to continue protests in Hong Kong and the Philippines until Mabatid and her associates are arrested and prosecuted. The group is also demanding full compensation for the victims and stronger government action against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
“This fight will not end until justice is served,” Balladares said, calling for solidarity among OFWs and supporters. “We will keep pushing, inside and outside the country, for accountability and compensation.”
UNIFIL-Migrante contact informtion: Dolores Balladares, UNIFIL-HK Chairperson, (+852) 9747 2986, unifil.hk@gmail.com
