The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) reported on Tuesday that the officials at the Davao International Airport, with the assistance of PNP-AVSEGROUP, successfully stopped two departing passengers, possible victims of human trafficking, in a resolute anti-trafficking action.

According to the PNP-AVSEGROUP, two outbound passengers were sent to the Davao International Airport Police Station (DIAPS) for preliminary investigation as possible victims of human trafficking by the Bureau of Immigration Border Control Intelligence Unit (BI-BCIU) early Monday.

Following standard procedures, DIAPS and BI promptly coordinated the incident with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) XI and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region 11 upon receiving the report.

Authorities said that based on the reports, it was revealed that the two passengers of the Cebu Pacific flight bound for Hong Kong were flagged by immigration officers due to inconsistencies in their travel purpose.

During inquiry, the two female passengers acknowledged that they had been recruited online by a certain person known as “Mam Maxie,” allegedly based in General Santos City and going by the name “Maam Maxie.” They were instructed to transit through Hong Kong to process UAE employment visas and work as domestic workers.

The passengers have been informed that their cooperation may be needed for additional intervention and assessment, and the case has been immediately referred to IACAT XI and DMW Region 11 for further action.

PNP-AVSEGROUP Director PBGen Christopher M. Abecia stated that in order to stop another victimization, participating agencies are stepping up their efforts to find the recruiter and track down cash transactions.

“Every successful action protects people from being duped and taken advantage of.” This is an important reminder that security is more than just defending boundaries; it also involves shielding individuals from invisible dangers, P/Brig. Gen. Abecia continued.