The Bureau of Immigration (BI) flagged what it calls an “alarming development” in trafficking patterns resembling Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-like operations.

In a statement on Monday, the BI reported that it intercepted a group of Filipino travelers allegedly en route to illegal online gaming work in Pakistan at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on 6 July.

The group, consisting of one man and three women in their 30s to 40s, were initially bound for Hong Kong via a Cebu Pacific flight. During primary screening, they claimed to be on a short vacation.

“However, during secondary inspection, they admitted that their final destination was Pakistan, where they were recruited to work as cleaners and a cook in an online gaming compound,” the BI said.

The travelers said a Chinese recruiter promised them jobs with monthly salaries ranging from P35,000 to P45,000, and shouldered their travel expenses. They were allegedly instructed to pose as tourists until further arrangements were made abroad.

BI confirmed this is the first known case of trafficking victims headed for Pakistan, with Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado describing it as “a new scheme from the same criminal playbook tied to POGOs.”

The BI has since referred the case to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation.