BI intercepts trafficking victim with fake immigration stamps at NAIA

A 46-year old human trafficking victim was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Saturday.

In a press statement, the BI said the incident occurred last October 27 at NAIA Terminal 3, where the female victim was supposed to board an AirAsia flight bound for Macau.

The woman was intercepted at the bureau’s primary inspection counter. Her identity was withheld in compliance with anti-trafficking laws.

The victim initially presented herself as a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) traveling to Macau as a tourist. Upon further questioning, she admitted that she intended to work in Macau without the proper documentation.

"The victim revealed that she was promised easy immigration and document assistance through Facebook, unaware that it involved affixing a fake departure stamp on her passport," it said, noting that the traffickers reportedly charged a fee of P40,000 for the supposed escorting services, which turned out to be a scam.

The BI’s forensic documents laboratory confirmed that the stamp was fake.

The victim has been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance in the filing of a case against her recruiters.

Immigration officials urged those looking to work overseas to be wary of offers of immigration assistance that promise quick and easy solutions.

The BI said the scheme remains widespread, “While these offers might seem enticing to unsuspecting victims, any assurance of success with minimal effort should raise immediate red flags.”
—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News