Immigration warns OFWs vs. illegal recruiters

By Vito Barcelo Jr.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday reiterated its warning to aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against illegal recruitment and human trafficking schemes after 14 suspected trafficking victims were rescued at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Clark International Airport (CIA) while attempting to leave for Russia.

BI officers rescued six male victims at CIA Terminal 2 and another eight victims — six men and two women — at NAIA Terminal 3.

The BI also intercepted two suspected recruiters who allegedly accompanied the victims on separate flights.

The six victims intercepted at Clark, aged in their 40s to 50s, initially claimed they were traveling to Hong Kong for a vacation with former military colleagues.

However, inconsistencies in their statements prompted further questioning, during which they admitted they were recruited to work in Russia with a promised monthly salary of USD 3,000.

Meanwhile, the eight victims intercepted at NAIA, aged in their 30s to 50s, initially said they were traveling to Singapore for business. Immigration officers later discovered they were also bound for Russia after being promised high-paying jobs and possible Russian citizenship.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado urged Filipinos seeking overseas employment to be wary of offers that promise unusually high salaries or foreign citizenship.

He warned that many victims lof illegal recruitment end up in dangerous situations abroad, stressing that recruiters often prioritize profit over the safety and welfare of those they recruit.