BI intercepts underage passenger at NAIA

Authorities intercepted and rescued a 17-year-old female passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on 24 January, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Saturday.

The minor, identified only by the alias Zia, attempted to depart for Saudi Arabia via Dubai aboard a Philippine Airlines flight, where she was set to work as a household service worker.

Initial travel documents, including her passport, falsely indicated she was 25 years old.

During secondary inspection, the passenger, who came from Maguindanao del Sur, presented a birth certificate confirming she is only 17 years old, making her underage and ineligible for overseas employment.

Investigation revealed the victim was recruited by a recruitment agency based in Pasay City.

The interception prompted coordination with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), to which the minor was turned over for protection, assistance, and case build-up against those responsible for the illegal recruitment attempt.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the rescue highlights efforts to stop exploitation.

“This administration will not allow traffickers and illegal recruiters to prey on our children. Under President Marcos’ directive, we will remain relentless in protecting Filipinos from being trafficked, deceived, or deployed illegally. Anyone who thinks they can falsify documents and slip through our borders is gravely mistaken,” Viado said.

He added that the BI will coordinate with IACAT and other agencies to pursue those involved.