BI intercepts trafficking victim at Davao airport

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted a suspected human trafficking victim who was bound for Albania via Thailand.

In a statement, the BI said the 38-year-old Filipina attempted to board a flight to Thailand at Davao International Airport (DIA) on March 27 with her aunt, but was flagged due to inconsistencies in her statements and travel documents.

She was referred for secondary inspection, where she admitted she planned to stay in Thailand for 45 days while waiting for employment documents before proceeding to Albania to work as a cleaner.

She also disclosed that she was required to pay a placement fee of around P25,000.

“This case highlights the evolving schemes of illegal recruiters who exploit vulnerable Filipinos through deceptive travel arrangements. We will not allow our ports to be used as gateways for human trafficking,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

The BI said the victim is now coordinating with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance and the possible filing of charges against her recruiters.—MCG, GMA News