NBI Probes 2 NAIA Immigration Officers Over Illegal Recruitment, Human Trafficking Scheme

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating two more Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for their possible involvement in an illegal recruitment and human trafficking scheme. This development comes after the arrest of a BI officer at NAIA Terminal 1 on September 12. Both the NBI and BI are investigating the two officers, who are assigned at the NAIA Terminal 1 departure area. BI spokesperson Anisha Hassan confirmed that one of the two officers has been relieved from his post, while the other, a job order worker, has been terminated from employment. Hassan also stated that the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is investigating two other individuals for their involvement in the scheme. The immigration officer arrested last week was apprehended for allowing several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to depart, even when their travel documents were incomplete. According to the NBI, the officer collected up to P500,000 from illegal recruiters after these transactions were completed. The immigration officer faces charges for human trafficking, corruption, and violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees. "We will not allow our airports to become gateways for trafficking and illegal recruitment. At the same time, we will not tolerate any BI personnel who may have been involved in illegal activities. They will be investigated and held accountable if warranted by evidence," said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. He advised Filipinos seeking employment abroad to exercise caution, follow established government procedures, and verify overseas job opportunities through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) before accepting job offers or making travel arrangements. Source: Philstar Nation