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BI warns Filipinas vs 'Bitbit' human trafficking scheme

Philippines | National

BI warns Filipinas vs 'Bitbit' human trafficking scheme

By Jeffrey Damicog

The Bureau Immigration (BI) warned Filipinas against falling victims to a human trafficking scheme called “Bitbit” (carried) which might lead them to sex trade abroad.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the warning on Sunday, March 31, after BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 intercepted last March 22 a man and his Filipina companion before they could board their flight to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The BI did not identify the man and his woman companion who claimed to be his live-in partner.

"This seems like another case of the 'Bitbit' scheme, in which a frequent traveler would attempt to transport a female victim who will be deceived into working as a sex worker abroad," said Tansingco.

In a statement, the BI said the man had initially told immigration officers that he and his female companion were going on a vacation.

It said immigration officers "noted that the male companion had a very recent travel to Malaysia."

“A quick check of his records revealed that he previously left with another female who he claimed was also his partner, but has not returned to the Philippines," it also said.

Thus, the intercepted man and woman were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation. The BI assured it will provide assistance to the woman.

The male companion may face a possible case for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, it added.

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Bureau of Immigration

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