3 trafficking victims posing as tourists rescued — BI

Three Filipino female workers who were pretending to be tourists traveling to Vietnam were stopped by the Bureau of Immigration officers at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, on 2 December, three victims—whose identities have been withheld for their safety—attempted to board a Royal Air flight that was headed for Hong Kong.

Tansingco disclosed that the intercepted victims initially presented themselves on primary inspection as tourists embarking on a four-day trip to Hong Kong.

They eventually confessed to hiding their subsequent ticket to Vietnam during the secondary inspection. There, they were supposed to go through the employment procedure for a company that a friend had recommended to them.

All victims were immediately turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance and further investigation.

The BI chief also expressed his concern over the incident and emphasized the dangers associated with not adhering to the proper processes and documentation when seeking employment abroad.

"It is crucial for aspiring overseas workers to undergo the right processes, secure the appropriate documents, and be cautious of schemes that exploit their vulnerability," Tansingco said. "Remain vigilant and always seek the help of authorized agencies, especially amid the influx of international passengers who will be vacationing during the holidays," he added.