BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 said five Filipina trafficking victims arrived in Manila on December 4.
The BI shared that the five were reportedly detained for three months in Malaysia for being undocumented overseas workers.
The victims, whose names are withheld for their protection, were allegedly recruited to be waitresses through a Facebook post.
According to the victims’ accounts, they had separately departed for Kota Kinabalu via a ferry from Zamboanga, evading immigration inspection. Their passports were allegedly not processed formally during departure.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco then lamented the incident, highlighting the consequences of undocumented travel, and the exploitation that can occur abroad.
“The victims’ ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in pursuing opportunities without proper documentation,” he said. “It not only jeopardizes individuals’ rights and well-being while abroad, but also contributes to the prevalence of human trafficking,” he added.
Upon their arrival, all five passengers were assisted by officials from the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking.
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