Pasay city: Two outbound passengers suspected to be victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking were intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City. Bureau of Immigration records revealed that both individuals were previously trafficked in 2024, having exited the country through backdoor routes, to work in Cambodia. They were able to return to the Philippines in 2025, but despite their prior experience, again attempted to leave.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that the passengers-a 31-year-old male and a 30-year-old female-were stopped at the NAIA Terminal 3 while attempting to depart for Bali, Indonesia via a Cebu Pacific flight last May 4. Both revealed that their actual destination was Batam, Indonesia, where they intended to work as a customer service representative and online gaming live streamer.
The victims initially posed as tourists. But, during secondary inspection, they later admitted that they had been recruited for employment abroad under suspicious circumstances. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned the public against falling prey to deceptive recruitment schemes, especially repeat attempts that place individuals at grave risk. 'It is alarming that despite previous victimization, some individuals still fall into the same schemes. This highlights the persistent and evolving tactics of trafficking syndicates,' he said.
