Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has pressed immediate government action on the illegal recruitment complaints filed against Italy-based Alpha Assistenza SRL of couple Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro.

Go said that despite the scam being exposed three months ago by DAILY TRIBUNE's digital show Usapang OFW, more tangible actions to address the loss of at least 2,500 euros for each of the about 400 victims of the "scam" have yet to materialize.

The National Bureau of Investigation last week formally filed a complaint along with the victims against Alpha Assistenza before the Department of Justice.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has vowed to afford the Alpha 400 "victims" justice, even as a parallel case in Italy against the company has yet to be filed in court despite the appointment of a lawyer to represent the complainants there.

Consul General to Milan Elmer Cato earlier was the subject of complaints by the Filipinos in Italy who had served as sponsors of the job applicants in the Philippines.

Photos and video of Cato had surfaced showing him socializing with Dutaro, who, according to some of the complainants, had boasted about the official being her "tatay-tatayan" or father figure.

Some OFWs in Italy had asked that Cato be recalled back from Milan as he had ignored their complaints, forcing them to reach out to the Italian police and Usapang OFW.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said any delay in the provision of justice to victims is not acceptable.

"This delay is not only disheartening but has also exacerbated the difficulties faced by the victims, who are currently in a state of uncertainty regarding their future and financial security," he added.

Full support

Go has urged the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs to extend their full support to the affected individuals and ensure that they receive the necessary assistance and guidance during this challenging time.

Go then reiterated his support to Senator Raffy Tulfo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, who is seeking an investigation into these suspected cases of fraud and illegal recruitment activities.

He said he understands the complexities involved in the cases, but that he cannot overstate "the impact of timely action on the lives of the complainants.

Meanwhile, Go also called on authorities to aid Filipino seafarers detained in Algeria after drugs were allegedly found in their ship during a port call.

It has been reported to Usapang OFW by an official of their manning agency that the eight seafarers have not been able to contact their families, nor representatives from their agency or Philippine authorities.

According to Captain Edgardo Flores, the general manager of Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency, the seafarers need help from the government.

In another Usapang OFW episode, Philippine Charge de Affaires to Libya Alan Roi Quilino Gabriola said they have provided each Filipino with 100 US dollars as food budget.

In a follow-up text message, the official said he was already in Algeria to meet with the Filipinos.

Families of the detainees had also hit DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac for standing them up in a zoom meeting his own office set.

Cacdac had apologized to the families of the seafarers whose case is now being heard by a new judge.

"Now, more than ever, the DMW should step in to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers," he added.

Go reiterated his support for the welfare of Filipino seafarers, citing the recent Senate approval on third and final reading of the Senate Bill institutionalizing the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

"This is a triumph for our unsung heroes and a testament to the Senate's commitment to the welfare of our kababayans at sea," he said.