BI: Mail-order bride cases up

MANILA, Philippines —  Human trafficking victims brokered as mail-order brides have increased, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Four victims have been intercepted by immigration officials this year, BI deputy spokesman Melvin Mabulac said at a press briefing yesterday.

They are being lured to marry Chinese citizens, Mabulac noted. In previous years, mail-order brides traveled to South Korea.

“For this year, there have been four interceptions: one was in January and three in February. Most interceptions were in Cebu, but all victims are from Luzon, with ages ranging from 20 to 25,” he said.

Victims reportedly pay agents between P40,000 and P45,000 to process their documents and they would receive marriage certificates after a few months.

“We have a  directive from Commissioner Norman Tansingco to conduct a thorough check of those traveling abroad,” Mabulac said.

Human trafficking victims are turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation.