Singapore - Increasing numbers of women from the Philippines are turning to their embassy with claims that they were lured to Singapore with promises of good jobs, but ended up working as prostitutes, news reports said on Monday.

There were 212 cases last year, 125 in 2006 and 59 in 2005, The Straits Times said.

Of the 212 cases in 2007, only three women filed police reports resulting in convictions. None of the convictions were for human trafficking.

The numbers could be the tip of the iceberg, said Neal Imperial, the embassy's first secretary and consul. Many women may be reluctant to come forward for fear of being viewed as violators of immigration or labour laws, rather than victims.

Singapore's Home Ministry has maintained that the existence of vice activities does not mean there is human trafficking in the city-state.

"Human trafficking is a scourge that has no place in this day and age," Imperial was quoted as saying. "We hope to strengthen our cooperation with the Singapore government to stop this transnational crime and prevent more women" from being exploited. (dpa)