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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI tightens watch for victims of scam hubs abroad

BI tightens watch for victims of scam hubs abroad

Published Feb 21, 2025 06:10 am

After 118 Filipinos had been stopped from leaving the country in 2024 to work for scam hubs abroad, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) further tightened its watch for similar incidents.

BI Commissioner Josel Anthony Viado said: “Our immigration officers remain on high alert, but we urge Filipinos to stay vigilant and verify job offers through legitimate government channels before traveling abroad."

“The government is working tirelessly to protect you, but vigilance starts with you—be cautious and safeguard yourself from these scams,” he stressed. 

Now, he lamented that "we are seeing a more brazen approach, with traffickers constantly shifting their tactics."

He cited that recently 12 Filipinos were repatriated to the Philippines after being trafficked to Myanmar to work in scam hubs.

He noted that victims were promised legitimate jobs but were instead forced to work as online scammers under inhumane conditions.

They were also to physical abuse, long work hours without pay, and even electric shocks as punishment, he also said.  

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