BI to Deploy Body Cameras at Airports Amid Human Trafficking Probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will equip all its personnel assigned at airports with body-worn cameras, following an ongoing investigation into a human trafficking incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado made the announcement. The cameras, which will also feature voice-recording capabilities, are slated for deployment by October. "This is not only about documenting our officers’ transactions. The body-worn cameras will strengthen accountability, transparency and monitoring, and serve as a deterrent against any personnel who may attempt to abuse their position," Viado stated. This measure is being implemented alongside an internal investigation into an attempted departure of a potential human trafficking and illegal recruitment victim at NAIA Terminal 1 on September 12. Three BI personnel are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the scheme, while the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is also probing the roles of two other individuals. Among the three BI personnel currently under investigation, one, a job order employee, has been terminated. The other two, including the officer arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), have been relieved from their airport assignments. The BI clarified that these administrative actions are separate from potential criminal liabilities, which will be determined by the NBI's findings. According to Viado, the BI is conducting a deeper examination of the circumstances surrounding the human trafficking attempt. Initial investigations revealed that the passenger arrived at the terminal nearly 12 hours before her scheduled departure and was cleared by an immigration officer almost nine hours prior to the flight. The investigation aims to identify everyone who assisted or attended to the passenger from the moment she entered the terminal until she reached the immigration area. Viado also disclosed that the BI is examining whether other airport personnel had involvement in or knowledge of the circumstances. "We need to establish the complete timeline and identify everyone who may have had contact with or assisted the passenger inside the terminal. Given the circumstances, our investigation cannot be limited to what happened at the immigration counter alone," Viado emphasized. The commissioner reiterated his commitment to recommend the dismissal of any BI personnel proven to have engaged in wrongdoing and to pursue the filing of appropriate criminal cases. "We will not allow the wrongdoing of a few to undermine the hard-earned accomplishments and credibility of the Bureau. I strongly warn all BI personnel: Do not abuse your position and do not engage in illegal activities. We will take firm action against anyone found to have violated the law or abused their authority," he declared.