NBI: 15 victims of illegal recruitment, trafficking rescued

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have arrested two people for alleged large-scale illegal recruitment and human trafficking at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to the National Bureau of Investigation.

The NBI said Maria Zenaida Callos Otani and Takayuki Tomita were nabbed after 15 passengers bound for Japan were intercepted at the airport on May 9.

The operation was conducted by the NBI-International Airport Investigation Division in coordination with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and Department of Migrant Workers.

The rescued passengers were turned over to the IACAT Task Force. 

According to the NBI, the passengers were about to board a flight to Nagoya when they were intercepted.

They were referred to the NBI for investigation.

An NBI probe showed that Otani and Tomita recruited the victims to work as factory workers in Japan. 

To skip Bureau of Immigration checks, the suspects allegedly instructed the victims to pose as trainees and employees of Wink Bayside Manpower Services, a recruitment agency. 

The NBI said the passengers were offloaded after authorities flagged inconsistencies in their travel documents.

The victims said they were promised employment in Japan and were directed by the suspects to fabricate their travel purpose. 

They identified Otani, Tomita and Wink agency as the ones who facilitated their recruitment.

The suspects were brought to the NBI headquarters for investigation and documentation.

They are facing charges of violating Republic Act 8042, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act and RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.