Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday assured prompt action against criminal syndicates preying on senior citizens and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). NBI Director Jaime Santiago made this assurance to Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo during their meeting about several complaints reaching Tulfo's office.

According to Philippines News Agency, Santiago encouraged OFWs and senior citizens who have fallen victim to scams to report immediately to their office. Santiago stated, "Bukas po lagi ang office namin sa mga OFW at senior citizens na naloko ng mga sindikato at itinakbo ang kanilang ipon (our office is open to OFWs and senior citizens victimized by syndicates that robbed them of their savings)." He further emphasized the collaboration with Senator Erwin Tulfo to address these issues.

Tulfo pointed out that OFWs often face challenges in filing complaints due to their limited time in the country before returning to their jobs abroad. He noted, "Ang problema kasi ng mga OFWs natin hindi nila alam papaano habulin ang suspek dahil limited ang araw nila sa bakasyon dito sa ating bansa (The problem of our OFWs is that they don't know how to go after the suspects because they are only here in the country for vacation)."

Additionally, Tulfo highlighted the difficulties seniors face in pursuing justice, stating, "Ang mga seniors naman na naloko ay mahina na rin para habulin o hanapin ang mga nag-estafa sa kanila (Seniors who are duped are too weak to go after or search for those who swindled them)."

Tulfo also assured that once the Senate session opens in July, he would propose a bill to impose life imprisonment on anyone found guilty of swindling OFWs and senior citizens of their savings.