An American man illegally working as a bus dispatcher was arrested by agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) last September 29.
BI Intelligence Deputy Chief for Mindanao Melody Penelope Gonzales reported the arrest of Vladislav Igorevich Black, 36, who carried the alias John Black.
Gonzales shared that the BI earlier received a report from an unnamed source that Black was working as a bus driver in a provincial bus line in General Santos.
Verification confirmed that Black was indeed overstaying for more than 5 years, having been in the country since 2018.
The BI team coordinated with the city intelligence and regional intelligence unit and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in effecting the arrest.
During interview, Black said the was unable to renew his visa having fallen into financial distress, hence he was constrained to work as a bus dispatcher.
He was temporarily held at the General Santos City Police Office pending transfer to the BI’s holding facility.
PH shares best practices in anti-trafficking efforts with Thailand
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) shared with Thailand authorities best practices in anti-trafficking efforts.
In an event conducted last September 25-28, members of the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES), IACAT, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFT), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) representatives welcomed delegates from Thailand to the Regional Knowledge Exchange between Thailand and The Philippines on Emerging Concerns in Trafficking in Persons.
Director General Jatuporn Saenghiran of the Thai Department of Trafficking in Persons Litigation, Office of the Attorney General, led the foreign delegates, while representatives from the Thai Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime, the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking (ACT) and the International Justice Mission also attended the activity.
The event was held at the New Coast Hotel and the NAIA Terminal 3.
Among items discussed were practices and challenges in rescuing victims of trafficking, including Thais and Filipinos trapped in online scams, as well as practices in repatriating victims.
As a result of dedicated efforts, the Philippines has retained its prestigious Tier 1 ranking in the United States’ Trafficking in Persons (TIP)report for an impressive 8th consecutive year. This achievement highlights the nation’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and protecting its citizens from exploitation.
Thai representatives observed immigration formalities at the BI’s arrival and departure areas, and noted procedures related to combatting trafficking.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the event shows that foreign governments are interested in studying the Philippine model in an effort to combat trafficking in their own shores.
“Human trafficking is a borderless crime, hence activities like this that discuss best practices allow countries to strengthen and combine their forces to eradicate this societal evil,” said Tansingco.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.