BI investigates alleged human trafficking attempt at NAIA

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) started an investigation into an alleged attempt to traffic three supposed victims who were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last November 6.

According to a Friday BI Facebook post, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco ordered the investigation after they received a report on the alleged human trafficking incident.

“We received a copy of a report that the three were intercepted by security guards and airport police early Sunday morning,” said Tansingco.

He added that the trio, two females and a male, reportedly used fake airport access passes to be able to enter the boarding gates.

According to the BI, the victims presented identification cards proving that they worked at various establishments within the airport grounds. However, a closer inspection by airport authorities revealed that the IDs were fake.

The victims attempted to evade immigration inspection by passing through the employees' entrances using fake passes. Upon verification, it was later discovered that their passports and boarding passes also contained fake immigration stamps.

The alleged trafficking victims attempted to board separate flights bound for Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

However, Tansingco said that one of the supposed victims admitted that they were bound for Lebanon to work there without the required documentation.

“This is a clear case of human trafficking, and is very alarming considering that they are trying to use these schemes to try to evade strict immigration inspection,” added the BI commissioner. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

This article BI investigates alleged human trafficking attempt at NAIA was originally published in GMA News Online.