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Agnes, 12, is the fifth of 8 children. She is skinny and frail and looks 5 years younger than her age. She hails from a remote town in Southern Philippines. She was recruited to work as a domestic worker in Manila by a certain Edna, who handed PhP 1,000 to Agnes' parents. "I have been working as a domestic worker since the age of 7, for my grade school teacher. I'd rather take my chances in Manila rather than be just another mouth to feed here."

Three of Agnes' older siblings are all in Manila, all as domestic workers. They, too, started working at a very young age. Though her mother was hesitant to permit Agnes to go at first, she was convinced by the thought that Agnes would be visited by her older brother and sisters in Manila.

When Agnes finally arrived in Manila, she was locked at the agency office where Edna brought her for 3 days. Fortunate to have the telephone number of her older sister, she called for help. The following day, she was released from possible trafficking for prostitution, upon payment of her transportation expenses, plus the advance payment given to her parents.

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