CHR to finish probe on Bukidnon workers’ plight

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is in the process of finishing its investigation on the complaint lodged by a group of indigenous people (IP) from Bukidnon who allegedly suffered abuses from their Chinese employer in Pangasinan.

Ronnie Rosero, CHR investigation division officer-in-charge, said Friday they have already sent an invitation to the fish farm’s owner, Arian Hao, so he can appear before their office and give his own statement on the accusations hurled by his former workers.

The 30 workers, who are members of the Manobo-Pulangihon, were recruited by a fellow tribe member, Danny Talisan, to work for Hao’s fish farm in Sual, Pangasinan.

They began working on May 12, 2019 and a few days into their job as fish feeders, problems began to emerge, according to Jonathan Sampitan, one of the workers.

The workers alleged that Hao did not fulfill his promise of giving them a monthly salary of PHP7,500 and failed to provide them with free food and lodging.

Sampitan said the poor living conditions and the unfulfilled promises prompted them to escape after more than two months in Hao's employ.

Rosero said CHR immediately provided legal assistance and that Talisan, who recruited the group, also appeared before their office to complain against Hao.

According to Talisan, Hao did not allow him to leave after accompanying the workers to the fish farm.

Rosero said cases will be filed against Hao whether the latter chooses to answer the allegations or not. The charges, she added, will be based on the testimonies of the IP workers and will be filed before the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service.

Lawyer Beverly Musni, a member of the Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao who volunteered to assist the aggrieved workers, said they are eyeing human trafficking and labor-related cases as possible charges. (PNA)