TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre has expressed deep concern over the conviction of 13 Filipino women in Cambodia, who were sentenced to prison for their involvement in an illegal surrogacy operation.
Acidre called for a thorough investigation into whether these women could be victims of human trafficking, particularly under the United Nations’ definition, which includes exploitation through deception or coercion.
“This matter is being closely studied, as there is a possibility that our countrymen were targeted by a deliberate scheme,” Acidre said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the situation fully and its broader implications.
The representative also assured the public that Philippine authorities, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), are working with Cambodian officials to ensure due process and protect the rights of the affected Filipinas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
