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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider NBI rescues 3 Singapore-bound human trafficking victims in Davao City

NBI rescues 3 Singapore-bound human trafficking victims in Davao City

Published Aug 13, 2025 11:23 pm

The National Bureau of Investigation-Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office rescued three suspected human trafficking victims bound for Singapore at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

The NBI-SEMRO, in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, intercepted the three female victims at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, as they prepared to board a Singapore-bound flight.

Speaking at the Davao Peace Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, NBI-SEMRO Director Arcelito Albao said the women — one from Davao and two from Manila — were allegedly recruited to work in a Singapore bar without proper visas, employment contracts, or clearances from the Department of Migrant Workers.

The NBI official confirmed that their recruiters in Davao and Manila remain at large. “Our men are conducting manhunt operations as of this time,” Albao said, noting that the suspects managed to evade arrest during the rescue operation.

Initial reports from NBI-SEMRO revealed that the victims were allegedly recruited by individuals known only as “Lalang” and “Yolly.” According to the victims, their recruiters reportedly promised them jobs as entertainers in Singapore.

According to the bureau, an on-site inquiry revealed that the women were instructed to seek clearance from certain immigration officers. They did not follow the directive, prompting another immigration officer to examine their papers more closely and uncovered irregularities. 

The NBI official said the three victims are currently under their custody.

He said that they will turn over and place them under the Department of Social Welfare and Development after legal proceedings for protection. 

Albao said charges against their recruiters under Republic Act 9208, as amended by Republic Act 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, will be filed against them before the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office.

Related Tags

NBI Davao City Human trafficking
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