MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted 11 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) who attempted to leave the country to work abroad without permit.
BI port operations chief Grifton Medina said the passengers believed to be victims of illegal recruitment were “rescued” in separate operations last week.
They were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Medina said.
He said their investigation showed that the group was supposed to depart Manila as tourists.
“Upon reaching the next port, they would be handed their working visas before they proceed to their final destinations,” Medina said.
During interrogation, the passengers admitted that they were bound for Doha in Qatar, Malaysia and South Korea .
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente reminded Filipinos to be vigilant against illegal recruiters. – Rudy Santos