4 Pinoys rescued from being trafficked to Cambodia

Four Filipinos have been rescued from being trafficked to Cambodia, according to John Consulta’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Thursday.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) International Airport Investigation Division in NAIA arrested Mona Almerah Kozay, who allegedly sponsored and escorted the four Filipinos to Cambodia.

Upon verification, it was found out that Kozay was not authorized to recruit employees.

“In-orient niya itong mga victims na sabihin during immigration interview na ang pakay nila doon ay bilang tourist. Napag-alaman natin upon investigation na ang final destination pala nila ay Cambodia,” NBI spokesperson Giselle Garcia-Dumlao said.

(She directed those victims to say during the immigration interview that their purpose there will be as tourists. We found out upon investigation that their final destination is Cambodia.)

Last January, several Filipino victims were also transported to Cambodia, supposedly by a syndicate.

The NBI filed a complaint against a Bureau of Immigration officer and three others involved last March.

“Parehong bansa ang pupuntahan which is Cambodia. Mahalaga na napigilan natin makaalis itong mga victims na ito because malaki ang chance na same modus pa rin, gagawin silang  scammers or ie-employ sa mga illicit na business sa Cambodia,” Garcia-Dumlao said.

(These victims are going to the same country which is Cambodia. It is important that we have prevented these victims from leaving because there is a high chance that the same modus operandi will still be used, they will be turned into scammers or employed in illicit businesses in Cambodia.)

GMA Integrated News is still seeking Kozay's side.

Kozay has been charged with complaints of attempted trafficking in persons act and large-scale illegal recruitment. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA Integrated News