NBI Investigates Immigration Officers in Trafficking Case
DAVAO CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an inquiry into the possible involvement of immigration officers at Francisco Bangoy International Airport in the trafficking of persons abroad. The NBI’s probe focuses on the potential complicity of these officers in facilitating illegal overseas employment.
According to sources, three trafficking victims identified specific immigration personnel who were allegedly supposed to assist their travel to Singapore as entertainers. The victims, aged 18, 24, and 29, were intercepted by NBI agents just before their scheduled departure.
Victims Rescued at Airport
The three women were booked on Scoot Airlines Flight TR369 bound for Singapore but were prevented from boarding due to incomplete and improper travel documents, officials reported. Their failure to meet document requirements raised red flags among airport authorities.
Community members involved in the investigation revealed that the victims had been recruited by individuals known as “Lalang” and “Yolly,” both of whom remain at large. These recruiters promised employment opportunities as entertainers abroad.
Alleged Complicity of Immigration Officers
The victims recounted being instructed to approach certain immigration officers to have their documents cleared and verified. This step is a standard procedure to gain access to the pre-departure area of the airport. However, the women did not comply with this instruction, prompting another immigration officer to flag their papers.
Initial findings suggest each victim paid “Lalang” a fee to process their employment documents, raising concerns about fraudulent activities within the recruitment process, local leaders noted.
Legal Actions and Support for Victims
The rescued women have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for immediate care and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the NBI is preparing criminal complaints against the recruiters and any other parties involved, pursuant to Republic Act 9208 as amended by RA 10364, also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
“This decisive operation underscores the NBI’s continued vigilance against modern-day slavery and its commitment to dismantle trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable Filipinos,” said a senior NBI official in a statement.
Ongoing Commitment to Fight Trafficking
This case highlights the persistent challenges in combating human trafficking and the potential abuse of authority by airport personnel. Authorities emphasize their dedication to protecting Filipino citizens and ensuring that trafficking networks are thoroughly dismantled.
For more news and updates on trafficking investigations, visit Filipinokami.com.
