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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3 'human trafficking victims' intercepted at NAIA -- BI

3 'human trafficking victims' intercepted at NAIA -- BI

Published Dec 13, 2023 10:23 am

Three Filipinos posing as co-workers travelling abroad on a holiday trip were prevented from leaving the country after being found to be human trafficking victims, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

“Our agency remains steadfast in ensuring the safety and well-being of aspiring overseas workers,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco declared in a statement.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may involve human trafficking or illegal recruitment,” he said. 

Tansingco said the three Filipinos whose identities have been withheld were intercepted last Dec. 8 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 before they could board a flight to Singapore.

“They had gone to great lengths to conceal their true purpose, presenting themselves as co-workers on a three-day holiday,” he said..

The BI said the three Filipinos initially claimed being employed at a logistics company and even showed documents issued by their employer.

However, the bureau said the Filipinos had to undergo secondary inspection due to suspicions they raised.

“The victims eventually admitted to learning about the job opportunity through a Facebook group, and travel documents were sent to them by an internet acquaintance for printing,” it said. 

They have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation, it added.

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