A 27-year-old woman who was an alleged human trafficking victim was rescued while the alleged trafficker was arrested at the Davao International Airport.

Authorities identified the victim as alias “Jennie” from Namruangan, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur and the suspect as alias “Manuel” from Surallah, South Cotabato.

Police said Jennie introduced herself as a personal helper of Manuel and they were supposed to fly to Singapore for a vacation.

However, the two had different statements when they were questioned separately by the immigration officer.

“Pareho man sila ug destination, gi-separate questioning nila. Then dili mag-match ang ilang tubag so that’s the time nga naa silay doubt sa ilahang travel. So nag-decide na si immigration officer nga i-offload sila for further investigation,” Davao International Airport Police Station Chief, Major Dennis Enargan, said.

Jennie later admitted that she was recruited by Manuel to work in the United Arab Emirates. The two met online when Jennie was looking for a job.

“Allegedly, mag-aantay ng visa sa Singapore before they would proceed to the United Arab Emirates. It’s really something na nakikita naming modus wherein ang trafficker pretend to be a companion or relative or a friend of the trafficking victim para maiisip nila na mas less ang itatanong doon po sa trafficking victim,” Bureau of Immigration Spokesperson, Dana Krizia Sandoval, said.

Investigation also showed that there was another woman Manuel brought to Singapore who has yet to return home.

The suspect said he did not know the victim personally. He is now detained and will face charges for violation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law.

Police warned those who want to work overseas to apply in legitimate agencies only.

“If mag-trabaho abroad, if possible didto sila sa mga agency nga legit nga didto sila moduol kung gusto sila manarbaho sa gawas. Dili na sila mo-care of sa bisan asa nga person nga ma-meet nila online,” Enargan added.