NAIA rescues 2 Filipinas from human trafficking attempt

Immigration authorities at NAIA Terminal 3 successfully rescued two Filipina women who were victims of human trafficking and were attempting to leave for Malaysia on January 27.

The women, posing as tourists, were recruited by an individual known only as "Madame" to work as hotel cleaners, with the promise of work visas to be processed later in Malaysia.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the modus operandi as the "tourist worker scheme," where individuals are exploited with tourist visas while awaiting proper work permits.

This scheme often leaves workers in vulnerable situations, forcing them to accept unfavorable conditions from employers.

The rescued victims were handed over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to file cases against their recruiter.

Viado advised aspiring overseas workers to be cautious and avoid falling victim to such deceptive recruitment practices.