BI thwarts 3 human trafficking victims bound for Bulgaria

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) prevented three individuals from leaving the country after they were discovered to be victims of human trafficking, intended for illegal work in Bulgaria.

The victims, aged 25, 27, and 42, were intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 while attempting to depart for Vietnam, with their recruiter posing as an officemate to mask their true intentions.

The trafficker had promised the victims that their trip to Bulgaria would be free of charge, a common tactic used to lure individuals into exploitative labor situations.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado explained that such schemes often result in victims being subjected to debt bondage, where their passports and salaries are withheld.

The victims have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for necessary assistance.

The trafficker may face charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 for his involvement.

This incident follows a warning from the Department of Migrant Workers about 'cross-country' recruitment schemes that utilize intermediate destinations before reaching the final job site.