THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the interception of six more Filipinas who were victims of human trafficking, rescued from impending forced labor in scam hubs in Cambodia.
This latest rescue adds to the growing number of Filipinos intercepted while attempting to work in these illegal operations, a direct result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen efforts protecting overseas Filipinos.
The six women, whose identities are being protected under anti-trafficking laws, were apprehended at Davao International Airport on June 20th as they prepared to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Singapore.
Investigations revealed that the apparent tourist trip was a cover for their recruitment into illegal overseas employment.
The victims reported being recruited via the Telegram messaging platform by a Filipino recruiter under the guise of legitimate employment as customer service representatives in Cambodia.
One victim stated that they were provided with fraudulent documents and a return ticket by the recruiter and instructed to use these as travel papers. She also disclosed paying P50,000 to the recruiter.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado expressed concern, stating, “The continuous recruitment of victims to work in scam hubs indicates that a single trafficking syndicate may be orchestrating these illegal activities. It’s a well-rehearsed lie, and too many still fall for it.”
He urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against fraudulent overseas job offers, particularly those bypassing legal recruitment processes. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is providing assistance to the rescued individuals.
