2 Bangkok-bound ‘tourists’ barred from leaving

IMMIGRATION officers have foiled a human trafficking operation at the Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga following the interception of two passengers bound for Bangkok, Thailand.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the two travelers initially presented themselves as tourists traveling in a group via a Cebu Pacific flight last December 28.

“The passengers gave inconsistent statements thus were referred for secondary inspection by our alert immigration officers,” Tansingco said.

“Further investigation uncovered that they possessed valid tourist visas for Dubai and were promised employment in the UAE without proper documentation under the Department of Migrant Workers,” he added.

During interrogation by immigration officers, Tansingco said one of the passengers admitted her true intent to work as a cashier in Dubai with a promised salary of P22,000, and her travel expenses were to be deducted from her monthly earnings.

Meanwhile, the other passenger said he was recruited to work as a babysitter.

The BI chief said both victims were turned over by immigration officers to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation.

At the same time, Tansingco renewed his appeal to Filipinos who want to work abroad to do so by using legal channels to prevent them from becoming victims of human traffickers.

“Leaving the country without proper documentation and falling into the hands of traffickers can lead to exploitation, abuse, and a life of uncertainty. We urge all citizens to follow legal processes, ensuring their safety and protection abroad,” he said.