Philippine foreign secretary hints labour attache Jalilo Dela Torre’s recall from Hong Kong could be rescinded
President Rodrigo Duterte will make announcement during meet-and-greet with 2,000 Filipinos at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Thursday
Alan Peter Cayetano, a member of visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation, said an announcement would be made when the leader meets with an expected 2,000 citizens at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Thursday.
Philippines recalls Hong Kong labour attaché, known for his strong anti-human trafficking views, sparking outrage
Jalilo Dela Torre, nicknamed “Labatt Jolly”, was issued a recall order last month midway through his three-year term. The unusual move by Manila sparked outrage among Hong Kong’s Filipino domestic workers, who feared it was linked to Dela Torre’s vocal opposition to human traffickers and unscrupulous employment agencies.
On Wednesday night, Cayetano confirmed Secretary of Labour and Employment Silvestre Bello had met with Dela Torre, and Duterte had also instructed his special assistant, Christopher Go to “look into” the issue.
Cayetano said: “Bello assured me … that he is dealing with it and the investigation will be fair and it’s for Labatt to explain himself. I am confident it will be resolved positively.”