In 2013, Birthisel, now 54, was arrested at the airport in the Philippine province of Cebu on suspicion of trafficking sex workers as he, his Filipino girlfriend and six other Filipino women tried to board a flight to Singapore, the 9News broadcaster reported. At the time, the Australian said he had been asked to escort the women to Singapore, so they could be employed in the hotel industry there.
Prosecutors initially accused him of human trafficking for the sex industry, but later reduced the charges to illegal recruitment with economic sabotage. Birthisel has rejected the charges, the broadcaster reported.
The Australian has been waiting for the trial for 10 years, hoping to be released. His girlfriend, Lovely Jane Modina, received the same sentence. The couple were also fined 2 million pesos ($48,000).
Birthisel will reportedly continue to fight for his freedom and will appeal the court's decision in 18 months.