BI intercepts 2 trafficking victims

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MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration yesterday reported the interception at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) of two passengers suspected to be victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking.

The passengers – a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman – were stopped on May 4 while attempting to depart for Bali, Indonesia on a Cebu Pacific flight from NAIA Terminal 3.

According to the bureau, the two initially posed as tourists, but revealed during inspection that they were bound for Batam in Indonesia, where they intended to work as customer service representative and online gaming livestreamer.

Their previous record showed they were trafficked in 2024, having exited the country through an illegal migration corridor to work in Cambodia. 

They were able to return to the Philippines last year.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned the public against falling prey to deceptive recruitment schemes, especially repeat attempts that place Filipino workers at grave risk.

“It is alarming that, despite previous victimization, some individuals still fall for the same schemes. This highlights the persistent and evolving tactics of trafficking syndicates. We urge our kababayans to remain vigilant. These offers may seem legitimate, but they often lead to exploitation. The bureau will continue to strengthen border controls to protect Filipinos from these threats,” Viado said. 

Meanwhile, 20 Filipinos identified as human trafficking victims were repatriated from Cambodia and arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 yesterday, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

The DMW said the victims left Cambodia following coordination between the Migrant Workers Office in Singapore and the Philippine embassy in Phnom Penh.

“We continue to warn Filipinos against red flags that might entice them into working for scam hubs in Cambodia and Thailand, such as recruitment through apps, high salary offers and job opportunities in IT and customer service,” the DMW said.

The repatriated Filipinos were provided financial, welfare and legal assistance upon arrival as part of recovery and reintegration efforts, it added.