On Tuesday afternoon, the Bureau of Immigration announced the repatriation of 27 Vietnamese nationals who have been victims of human trafficking.

Following their interception at NAIA Terminal 2 on 31 October, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking directed the victims to the IACAT-Tahanan ng Inyong Pag-asa Centre based on the report submitted to the BI.

According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, the victims were accompanied by one Chinese handler, two Filipino drivers, and one Filipino translator. The traffickers had reportedly intended to sell the victims to a company based in Cebu City.

Tansingco said that out of the 27 victims, 21 took a flight bound for Hanoi, and the remaining 6 took a flight bound for Ho Chi Minh.

He added that, in response to this incident, the BI has already canceled the working visas of the victims involved.

The BI Chief then expressed his dismay towards foreign nationals who exploit the Philippines as a hub for their trafficking activities.

"We will not be a haven for those seeking to perpetuate such criminal acts," Tansingco said. "The BI stands firm in its commitment to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard the welfare of those vulnerable individuals," he added.

There are still seven Vietnamese nationals in the country who are awaiting their repatriation.