
BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a warning about schemes being used by traffickers.
Viado shared details of the latest interception last January 20, where three victims—aged 27, 25, and 42—were stopped at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 while attempting to depart for Vietnam with their alleged employer.
The trafficker and his victims claimed to be traveling officemates bound for Vietnam as an incentive for their work.
During the interview, the victims revealed that, after their trip to Vietnam, they actually intended to work illegally in Bulgaria without proper documentation.
Further investigation showed that the trafficker’ enticed the victims by promising no fees or charges for the trip.
“The tactic of promising no upfront fees or charges often leaves victims indebted to their recruiter, as their passports and salaries are often withheld,” said Viado. “This scheme of supposed salary deduction is actually debt bondage, a form of trafficking,” he added.
The victims have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance, while the trafficker faces potential charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.