BI launches Tiktok account vs. human trafficking

The Bureau of Immigration on Thursday announced it has launched a TikTok account to counter human trafficking schemes.

In an interview on Unang Balita, Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said this was because scammers now use social media platforms, including TikTok.

“Recently ‘yung mga na-repatriate po galing sa (Those repatriated from) Myanmar and other countries where they were tricked para magtrabaho po sa isang (to work for a) cryptocurrency scam have been recruited through social media apps, including TikTok,” Sandoval said.

“Kaya nakita natin that there is a need to use this medium also to counter that,” she added.

Sandoval said their account received a positive reaction from the public.

“It’s more of informative. Hindi naman po ito sayawan doon sa TikTok natin but more of informative on what to look out for doon sa human traffickers,” she said.

She added they will also upload videos on new projects, policies, and new technologies.

In February, eight human trafficking victims, four of whom were made to work as online scammers in cryptocurrency farms, were rescued by Myanmar authorities and the Philippine Embassy in Yangon.

Meanwhile, Sandoval said the bureau has also requested the expansion of counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“And we’re hoping po na once ma-expand po ‘yan, makapagdeploy po tayo ng (we have expanded this, we can deploy) additional Immigration officers,” she said.—Joahna Lei Casilao/AOL, GMA Integrated News