A HUMAN trafficking victim instantly admitted that she was illegally recruited upon immigration secondary inspection.
According to members of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES), the victim alias Nina, was referred for secondary inspection for her numerous inconsistencies during primary inspection. She initially claimed to be bound for Hong Kong and Macau last November 3 for a four-day tour.
Upon approaching the secondary inspection officer, Nina immediately blurted out that she did not want to push through with her flight anymore, and admitted that she was actually bound to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where she was recruited to work as a household service worker (HSW).
“Aamin po ako sayo. Papunta ako sa UAE pagkatapos kong mag-tour sa Hong Kong,” said Nina. “Pero ayaw ko nang tumuloy kasi kinakabahan ako. Parang may kakaiba sa biyahe ko na ito,” she added.
She stated that she was recruited by a Filipina that she met on Facebook, and was offered a monthly salary of Php 30,000.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that Nina made the right decision, which could have saved her from exploitation abroad.
“We are glad that our constant reminders are reaching our kababayan,” said Tansingco. “Ultimately, the decision to protect oneself would come from the individual. Let us not put ourselves in danger by agreeing to departing through illegal means,” he added.
Nina’s case was immediately endorsed to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, who provided assistance and initiated an investigation against her recruiter.
About the Author
