Manila: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is intensifying its campaign to protect Filipinos from deceptive 'foreign suitors' and other cross-border scams who lure them into sham or abusive marriages abroad. In a news release, CFO Secretary Dante Ang II emphasized the development of a watchlist mechanism by the agency to detect red flags, prevent fraudulent unions, and track repeat offenders who exploit Filipinos, particularly women.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CFO revealed that it now actively monitors a watchlist encompassing 356 individuals, including 258 foreign nationals, 60 Filipinos, and 38 suspected marriage brokers reported for engaging in illegal matchmaking activities. To further enhance the initiative, the CFO conducted a free webinar series titled 'Human, Hindi Laruan (Not Toys),' which highlighted how seemingly innocent 'foreign suitors' can transform into traffickers in disguise.
During the webinar, CFO Supervising Emigrant Services Officer Kimberly Dizon advised Filipinos, especially women, to remain vigilant against abuses masquerading as marriage proposals. The CFO underscored the importance of Republic Act 10906, the Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act, which criminalizes profiting from matching Filipinos with foreign nationals for marriage. The webinar also detailed the use of informal 'reto' setups, social clubs, and digital dating apps in luring Filipinos into fraudulent or abusive marriages.
Data from the United Nations International Organization for Migration identifies the Philippines as one of the world's top migrant-sending countries, with Filipino women comprising 48.1 percent of all international migrants. The latest global migration trend indicates that there are now an estimated 281 million international migrants, representing 3.6 percent of the global population.
CFO Secretary Ang stated that the watchlist and awareness efforts align with the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The CFO serves as the lead agency of the Advocacy and Communications Committee under the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. The CFO reiterated its call for vigilance, informed decisions, and responsible reporting of suspicious schemes.
'As we usher in a Bagong Pilipinas, we renew our commitment to empower every Filipino with the information, tools, and protection they need to make safe and dignified choices, especially in matters that impact their lives, relationships, and future,' Ang said.
