MANILA - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested an immigration officer during an interdiction operation at NAIA Terminal 1 on September 11 to 12, over alleged involvement in an illegal recruitment and human trafficking scheme.
According to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, the case stemmed from a complaint by a potential victim recruited to work in Thailand.
“Ang background po ng kasong ito ay nagsimula sa isang reklamo ng isang potential victim na ni-recruit umano para magtrabaho sa Thailand. Sa isinagawang case build-up, natukoy natin ang umano’y sistema ng pagre-recruit at pagpapalusot sa mga pasaherong kulang ang dokumento, hanggang sa humantong ito sa operasyon sa NAIA,” Matibag said.
The NBI said the group allegedly recruited Filipinos for jobs in Thailand, including customer service positions with promised salaries of up to P50,000 monthly.
Investigators also allegedly found that passengers with incomplete travel documents were being allowed to pass through the immigration counter, with the officer reportedly receiving P40,000 for every passenger allegedly facilitated.
“Hindi lamang po illegal recruitment ang ating tinitingnan dito. Kapag may taong ginagamit ang posisyon sa gobyerno para mapadali ang paglabas ng mga potensyal na biktima ng trafficking, pananagutan po iyan sa batas,” Matibag said.
The case build-up began after a potential victim sought NBI assistance.
She said she was recruited through Telegram for a customer service representative job in Thailand and was allegedly pressured to pay P20,000 in processing fees after trying to withdraw from the recruitment.
Four other potential victims were reportedly rescued during the operation.
The NBI is pursuing possible violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Cases are also being recommended against four alleged illegal recruiters.
The NBI said its investigation into the alleged network and other possible victims is ongoing.