BI relieves 7 personnel over alleged link to the illegal departure of trafficking victims

March 26, 2025 , 03:45 PM

(March 26, 2025) – The Bureau of Immigration relieved seven personnel from their post for alleged suspected involvement in the illegal departure of trafficking victims who were repatriated on March 25.

“The relieved personnel, assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3, are under investigation following reports linking them to the illegal departure of trafficking victims repatriated on March 25,” said BI.

According to BI, the move is part of the agency’s intensified internal cleansing efforts.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the move aligns with Pres. Bongbong Marcos’ directive to eradicate corruption and strengthen border security.

If found to have assisted the victims, the said personnel will face charges before the Department of Justice.

The victims have already arrived in Manila on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand, after being rescued by the government from online scamming syndicates in Myanmar.

On the other hand, Viado acknowledges that while stricter measures are being enforced, there is an increasing challenge of detecting trafficking victims at airports, as many now come from well-off backgrounds and present themselves as legitimate tourists.

The commissioner explained that trafficking syndicates have adapted by recruiting individuals with clean travel records, making it more difficult for immigration officers to identify potential victims.

In 2024, the BI intercepted a total of 1,093 human trafficking victims. These individuals were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for investigation and the filing of cases against their recruiters. Viado stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach in dismantling trafficking networks at the grassroots level.

He also warns that aside from disguising victims as regular tourists, trafficking syndicates continue to exploit backdoor routes to evade stricter immigration controls.

“Whether it be a corrupt individual or areas that are vulnerable for illegal travel, these syndicates push to exploit every possible loophole to smuggle victims out undetected.” said Viado.

(PB)

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