PNP probes syndicate luring Pinoys into foreign armed forces

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is probing cases of human trafficking that lure Filipinos with legitimate jobs abroad, and then force them into military service.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday they are working with foreign counterparts to identify the people behind the scheme and build airtight cases against them.

“We are looking into the details of this report to come up with the best strategies in protecting our kababayan from this modus in coordination with other government agencies and foreign counterparts,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Nartatez issued the directive after the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking cited reports it received of Filipinos who were initially recruited for legitimate work overseas but were later compelled to serve in foreign armed forces.

He reminded jobseekers to be cautious when exploring jobs abroad to avoid being exploited by syndicates.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation has created a specialized NBI unit to address emerging national security threats, including hazardous materials and foreign interference operations.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the unit aims to strengthen the bureau’s capability to respond to evolving threats. It will handle investigations involving hazardous substances and explosives as well as monitor activities related to foreign malign influence, such as disinformation, cyber manipulation and covert interference.

“This initiative strengthens our capability to detect, investigate and respond to threats that go beyond conventional crime,” Matibag said.