BI rescues minor from illegal recruitment, nabs American fugitive

Immigration authorities intercepted and rescued a 17-year-old girl at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for allegedly attempting to leave the country to work illegally abroad.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the minor, identified as alias “Zia” from Maguindanao del Sur, tried to fly to Saudi Arabia via Dubai on January 24 to work as a household service provider.

Her initial travel documents, including her passport, reportedly indicated she was 25 years old. However, a birth certificate she presented during secondary inspection confirmed she was only 17.

“This administration will not allow traffickers and illegal recruiters to prey on our children,” said BI Commissioner Joel Viado in a news release.

“Under President Marcos’ directive, we will remain relentless in protecting Filipinos from trafficking, deception, or illegal deployment. Anyone who thinks they can falsify documents and slip through our borders is gravely mistaken,” he added.

Initial investigations showed the minor was recruited by a Pasay City-based agency. The BI immediately coordinated with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and turned over the victim for protection, assistance, and case build-up against those responsible.

“This young girl was saved because our officers did their job and followed through,” Viado said.
“We will continue to stop these schemes at our airports, ensuring victims are protected while perpetrators face the full force of the law.”

American fugitive nabbed

Meanwhile, the BI apprehended a 56-year-old American fugitive, identified as “Jan,” wanted for multiple sexual crimes, including rape and offenses against a minor in Lucena City, Quezon.

Jan was arrested as an undesirable and overstaying alien, and as a fugitive from justice based on official communication from the United States government. He is now in BI custody at the Taguig immigration warden facility pending deportation proceedings.

According to the BI, Jan is the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Superior Court of Washington for King County in 2024, charging him with Rape in the Second Degree and Rape of a Child in the Third Degree, among other offenses.

His U.S. passport has been revoked, rendering him an undocumented alien. Immigration records show he entered the Philippines in 2023 and did not extend his visa, making him an overstaying alien. He is also listed on the active blacklist and watchlist orders.

“The President has made it clear: the Philippines will not be a hiding place for predators and fugitives,” Viado said.

“Through our #ShieldKids campaign, we are intensifying actions against foreign nationals who pose threats to our children and communities. Those who abuse our hospitality will be found, arrested, and deported,” he added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News