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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider In the nick of time! BI saves alleged human trafficking victim just before boarding plane

In the nick of time! BI saves alleged human trafficking victim just before boarding plane

Published Apr 12, 2021 02:27 pm

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) managed to intercept a human trafficking victim at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga before he could board his flight to Dubai.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) (MANILA BULLETIN)

Members of the bureau's travel control enforcement unit (TCIU) barred the victim from boarding an Emirates Airlines flight last April 5 after it was discovered that his overseas employment certificate (OEC) as "Balik Mangagawa (returning worker)" had already expired.

Investigators also found a tourist visa in the backpack of the victim.

Records showed the victim, whose name was not divulged in compliance with the illegal recruitment law, arrived in the country in 2019 with a Dubai work visa.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente commended Clark immigration officers for uncovering the modus operandi of human traffickers.

"This was an obvious circumvention of the law by syndicates telling their victims that they can leave the country using their old OECs and tourist visa," the BI chief said.

He noted that many victims who left with no legitimate work papers and held nothing but a tourist visa ended up working in the most hostile environment and with cruel employers.

"Worse, they are sent by the syndicate's counterpart abroad to war-torn countries like Iraq and Syria," he added.

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