The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted three individuals suspected of being trafficking victims at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) .
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the rescued victims were all males in their late 30s and early 40s.
"Initially, they had presented themselves as tourists with plans to travel to Hong Kong via a Cathay Pacific flight. They claimed to be engaged in the local construction industry and were each on a solo vacation," said Tansingco.
However, during the subsequent interviews, it was revealed that their true destination was Ethiopia for employment purposes.
The victims disclosed were lured with promises of well-paying jobs, though they were instructed to pose as tourists to avoid suspicion.
Following the interviews, the victims were handed over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), which will assist them in filing charges against their recruiters.
"We encourage anyone with information about or suspicions of human trafficking to promptly notify the BI or the IACAT. We remain resolute in our commitment to combat this crime and safeguard our fellow citizens from exploitation," Tansingco stated.