Human trafficking and illegal recruitment arrested at NAIA
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) arrested a Japanese man and a Filipina for alleged human trafficking and large-scale illegal recruitment at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on May 9. The suspects were caught while trying to bring 13 Filipinos out of the country under suspicious circumstances.
DMW operatives, together with the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking, apprehended Tomita Takayuki and Maria Zenaida Callos Otani. The two were reportedly recruiting victims through a fake agency named Winkbayside Manpower Services. They promised factory jobs in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program with a salary of JPY 200,000 (around PHP 75,276).
Victims deceived with false promises
Instead of the promised jobs, the victims were handed over to various employers to work in factories using different identities. Moreover, they only received about JPY 120,000 (PHP 41,165), much less than the salary initially offered. This scheme exploited the hopes of many Filipinos seeking overseas employment.
The DMW is urging other possible victims who have encountered these suspects to come forward and coordinate with their office. Assistance will be provided to help file the proper charges against those responsible.