LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu—A Filipina was intercepted during her attempt to depart for Hong Kong last June 23 after Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers found that she was recruited to work illegally abroad.
The BI Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) reported that the 28-year-old victim was stopped after immigration officers found numerous inconsistencies in her documentation.
She initially claimed to be traveling to Hong Kong to visit Disneyland. However, she later admitted that she was recruited by unnamed Chinese individuals on messaging application Telegram to work in a POGO-like company in Cambodia.
The victim was allegedly offered USD 1,000 to work in an online gaming company that authorities suspect is a scam operation preying on foreign workers.
She said that she does not know the identities of her Chinese recruiters and employers but agreed to the arrangement given the seemingly attractive offer.
The interception is part of the government’s intensified campaign against human trafficking, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard Filipinos from exploitation and ensure their safety at all ports of exit.
According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, “This case highlights the evolving tactics of trafficking syndicates who continue to lure victims through online platforms. We remain committed to protecting our kababayans from falling victim to these schemes. We thank President Marcos for his unwavering support in strengthening border protection and empowering law enforcement agencies to take decisive action.”
The victim was turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance and the filing of cases against her recruiters.
