By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted a suspected trafficking victim who attempted to conceal her true travel purpose by tampering with her passport.
The interception is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. to ensure the protection of Filipinos from human trafficking.
The victim, a 25-year old female from Sultan Kudarat, was intercepted last April 1 at the Davao International Airport before boarding a Cebu Pacific Air flight bound for Bangkok, Thailand.
The victim initially claimed she was traveling alone for an eight-day vacation. However, primary inspection officers discovered a concealed visa page in her passport, prompting her referral to the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES).
During secondary inspection, the woman admitted that she had intentionally glued together pages of her passport to hide a valid China visa. She later confessed that her actual destination was China, where she was set to meet a supposed “groom” arranged by an acquaintance she met through a relative.
Further investigation revealed that she had no direct communication with the alleged groom and was promised half a million pesos as dowry upon marriage.
Her travel documents, including flight and accommodation bookings, were prepared by her contact, and she was provided with falsified supporting documents to facilitate her departure.
Authorities believe the victim was being trafficked under the guise of a mail-order bride scheme. She was turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance and further investigation.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a stern warning against such schemes.
“These syndicates lure victims with promises of a beautiful life, marriage, and financial security. But the reality is far more sinister — many end up as modern-day slaves, abused and deprived of pay and freedom,” said Viado.
“We urge Filipinos to remain vigilant. If you are asked to hide information, falsify documents, or travel under suspicious arrangements, these are clear signs of trafficking.
“Our officers will continue to act decisively to protect our people,” he added.
