Four Filipinas who are suspected victims of human trafficking were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) before they could board their flight to Hong Kong last April 21.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said: "These women were deceived into agreeing with the scheme to work abroad. But in reality, they were being trafficked for exploitation and illegal employment."
The BI, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 23, said the four women presented themselves as tourists. Upon interrogation, immigration officers found they were being trafficked to China.
“According to the victims, they were lured into the scheme by a Taiwanese woman they met through WeChat. This individual promised them lucrative jobs as waitresses in China,” it said.
“Investigations revealed that the victims were instructed to pose as tourists and upon arrival in Hong Kong they would get their visas to China where they would then proceed to work illegally,” it added.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of society,” Tansingco lamented.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to thwart these criminal activities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he assured.