The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) believes there are enough grounds to investigate two manning agencies for alleged “forced labor trafficking.” This case involves 35 Filipino fishermen who were initially told their job would be in Taiwan but ended up being deployed in the waters of Namibia, a country in southern Africa with the Atlantic Ocean on its western border. Based on an article published by the Africa Defense Forum on Oct. 11, 2022, the fishermen were rescued by Namibian authorities from two industrial fishing vessels in early September.

Fajardo-Dela Cruz, D. M. (2023, March 31). DMW seeks justice for 35 fishers in 'forced labor' case. Panay News, pp. 9, 15.