Twenty-six Filipinos rescued from labor trafficking in Malaysia arrived in the country on 16 March 2026, the Bureau of Immigration said Friday.

The group, composed of 9 women and 17 men, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 aboard an AirAsia flight, according to the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said most of the victims left the Philippines through illegal “backdoor” routes, particularly via southern borders, where they were transported by boat to Malaysia.

The victims, aged in their early 20s to 40s, were recruited under false promises of employment but later subjected to various forms of exploitation.

One female victim said she was initially hired as a waitress but was later forced into sex work.

Several male victims, recruited for construction jobs, reported maltreatment, including unpaid or underpaid wages.

Viado said records show that the victims’ departures spanned nearly two decades, from 2006 to 2025, reflecting a persistent pattern of trafficking through illegal migration channels.

The BI chief condemned trafficking syndicates for exploiting Filipinos seeking better opportunities abroad.

“Many Filipinos leave the country with hopes of improving their lives, but traffickers take advantage of this vulnerability. These victims were deceived by false promises and subjected to exploitation,” Viado said.

He added that the Bureau of Immigration is strengthening preventive measures at airports and seaports, while maintaining coordination with local and international partners, particularly in securing southern border areas.

The agency said it will continue strict enforcement of departure protocols and intensify information campaigns to prevent similar trafficking schemes.