NEWS
BI intercepts 8 illegal recruitment victims
The eight individuals admitted they were to work at a shipyard in Kuala Lumpur.
The Bureau of Immigration has intercepted at the Zamboanga International Seaport eight Malaysian-bound Filipinos posing as tourists.
The eight were caught while trying to board the MV Antonia, which was headed for Sandakan, Sabah, on 13 November, according to the BI.
The passengers claimed they were traveling alone to visit relatives and friends or buy welding equipment, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed.
They eventually admitted planning to work at an engineering company and a shipyard in Kuala Lumpur.
"Aspiring workers abroad must obtain the necessary clearances and approvals from relevant government agencies," Tansingco reminded.
"This includes verification of your employment contract, validation of your job offer, and securing overseas employment certificates from the Department of Migrant Workers," he added.
He also urged aspiring overseas workers to consult with authorized agencies to verify the legitimacy of job offers.
"The strengthened anti-trafficking measures, implemented not only in airports but also in seaports, show the government's commitment to combat this illicit activity comprehensively," he said.