DFA investigating employee charged with human trafficking

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says it is investigating allegations that one of its employees is guilty of human trafficking in Ottawa, Canada.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 10, the department said it is “conducting an inquiry into the matter” and that it “takes very seriously any allegations of misconduct of its employees.”

The statement comes a day after Ottawa police publicly announced that criminal charges were filed against Robert (45 years old) and Buenaflor Cruz (44 years old) for human trafficking and withholding their former nanny’s identification documents.

Other charges include mischief and uttering threats. 

The charges were the result of a 5-month investigation by Ottawa police. Specifically, the couple has been accused of forcing a 26-year-old woman they brought into Canada legally to work as a nanny 14 hours a day. 

At the time, the Cruzes were working for the Philippine embassy in Ottawa.

“Investigators found that the victim was exploited for financial and material benefit, from July 2009 to December 2013, at the private residence of the couple in Ottawa,” said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Canada-wide warrants for their arrest have been issued but, according to Canada’s foreign ministry, the two have already left the country. 

Wanted couple

The DFA confirmed that Buenaflor Cruz is back in the Philippines, but made no mention of her husband.

“Ms Cruz has been reassigned to the Home Office as part of the Department’s normal rotation.”

The DFA also had something to say about the Ottawa police’s public announcement of the charges against its employees.

“The Department is of the opinion that the police announcement may be a matter deemed of public interest regarding the day-to-day activities of the police service, but is concerned that such action may not be totally helpful to the inquiry at this time.” – Rappler.com