BI thwarts 14 catfishing victims in two days

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted 14 Filipino victims of catphishing schemes within two days, raising alarm over rising trafficking cases.

The victims, aged between 25 and 33, were promised legitimate work at business process outsourcing companies but were instead trafficked into scam hubs.

On February 4, three individuals were intercepted at NAIA Terminal 1 attempting to board a flight to Thailand, claiming they were recruited to work as customer service representatives in Cambodia.

The following day, February 5, another 11 victims in their mid-20s were intercepted while trying to travel to Bangkok, Thailand.

These 11 victims were reportedly lured with a monthly pay of P50,000 in Pakistan and instructed to conceal their Pakistan visas.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the scheme places Filipinos in perilous situations with limited escape opportunities, trapped in illegal work within unregulated industries and fraudulent operations.