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DOLI ignored foreign worker’s rights
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Posted on May 05 1999
An official from the Department of Labor and Immigration admitted to the court yesterday of his failure to inform a Filipino contract worker of her rights prior to interrogation.
During a trial at the Superior Court hearing the fraud charges filed against Heidi Caja, Capt. John Peters said the Miranda’s right was only read to her after the taped-interview was conducted at the DOLI’s office in Afetnas last February 3, 1999.
“It was not immediately after the interview, neither she was informed of her rights before the interview,” he told the court.
Caja is facing fraud charges for using a passport of different identity. She arrived on Saipan to work at Tony Roma’s using the passport of Eleanor Lacson.
Playing the taped-interview conducted by DOLI, it was obvious that Caja was without counsel, sounded scared and at one time broke down while she was being questioned.
“Didn’t you offer her water, time to compose herself, call her friend,” defense lawyer Harvey Palefsky asked Peters.
The reply was negative.
Assitant Attorney General Aaron Williams asked the officer if Caja was handcuffed and if he had a gun during the interview.
Peters said he was not licensed to carry a gun and that she was not handcuffed. He also asked a female officer to be present during the interrogation.
The young Filipina is under the guardianship of the Philippine Consulate here.
