The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the interception of three victims of trafficking last August 5.
In a report to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) members said that the three male victims, all in their early 40s and late 30s, initially claimed to be tourists bound for Hong Kong on board a Cathay Pacific flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
All initially claimed to be employed in the construction industry locally, and are each traveling alone for a vacation. However, upon interview, it was found out that they were bound for Ethiopia for employment.
The victims said they were promised high-paying jobs, but were instructed to pose as tourists. The trio were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance in filing cases against their recruiter.
“We urge anyone who knows of or suspects human trafficking to report it to the BI or to the IACAT,” said Commissioner Tansingco. “We will not tolerate this crime, and we will do everything we can to protect our kababayans from being exploited.”
Modules destroyed by flooding in Bulacan
Several schools in Bulacan that were affected by floods have reported property damage and harm to learning materials weeks before the start of the School Year 2023-2024.
While the water level has receded in Calumpit, Calizon Elementary School (CES) still remains submerged in floodwater.
“Bago po dumating ang tubig, nagtataas na po kami bawat room. First day, second day, ok pa. Nung third day na talagang biglang laki. Lubog na po kami,” Aurora Manlapig, the school caretaker, said.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has committed to repairing the school properties that were damaged by the flood, including the learning modules of the students.
Hagonoy East Central Elementary School (HECS), which functioned as an evacuation center during the impact of the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Egay and Falcon, is currently grappling with the aftermath of the flooding.
To tackle this issue, the school administration is considering rearranging student classroom assignments and implementing staggered class schedules.
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