The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the interception of three more victims of a human trafficking ring involved in recruiting Filipinos to pseudo-call centers abroad.
In a report to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, officers of the BI’s Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) stated that the three victims, all in their 20’s and early 30’s, were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 after attempting to depart on board a Philippine Airlines flight to Cambodia.
The trio initially claimed to be former co-workers traveling for a 5-day vacation. However, officers doubted their purpose after noting several inconsistencies in their statements. The victims eventually admitted that they were recruited to work in Cambodia upon their arrival.
“We suspect that the three are also victims of the trafficking ring,” said Tansingco. “Their trip was arranged by foreign nationals that they do not personally know,” he added.
Tansingco warned aspiring overseas workers not to accept offers to work abroad illegally. “There are a lot of Filipinos repatriated who were victimized by this trafficking ring,” said Tansingco. “Do not be the next victim,” he warned.
The passengers were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation on the circumstances of their recruitment, and eventual filing of cases against their traffickers.
4 foreigners who disrespected flag turned over to BI
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday received custody of the 4 foreigners earlier arrested disrespecting the Philippine flag in Ternate, Cavite.
The three Pakistanis and 1 Romanian were turned over by the Philippine National Police Ternate after being arrested last June 26.
The 4 previously made headlines after being seen by a member of the Philippine Marine Corps pulling down a Philippine flag, taking turns tearing it, and throwing it away in violation of Republic Act 8491.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that they will be pursuing a deportation case against the 4 aliens.
“Foreign nationals staying here must respect our country and our laws,” said Tansingco. “Foreigners destroying symbols of our country show utmost disrespect and do not deserve our hospitality,” he added.
All four have undergone preliminary investigation and were committed in the BI’s holding facility in Taguig.
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