Manila: Another batch of Filipino trafficking victims was repatriated a year after their illegal departure through 'backdoor' exit routes. In a statement Tuesday, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the need to intensify monitoring of known illegal departure points, particularly along the country's southern borders. He noted that these routes are continually exploited by trafficking syndicates using small boats to transport victims abroad.
According to Philippines News Agency, two trafficking victims-males aged 27 and 30-arrived in the country at dawn on March 20 from Vientiane, Laos aboard a Philippine Airlines flight. They were initially recruited for supposed labor opportunities abroad. An initial investigation revealed that the victims departed the Philippines in 2025 through an irregular migration corridor via the waters of Zamboanga, successfully evading official immigration controls. Both victims disclosed that they were promised legitimate employment abroad, particularly as a waiter and a farm worker, with an expected monthly salary ranging from PHP40,000 to PHP60,000.
Upon their arrival in Laos, however, the situation took a grim turn as they were forced to work as 'love scammers,' targeting foreign nationals in online romance schemes. Viado highlighted that the bureau has received several identity verification requests in the past year concerning individuals attempting to illegally cross the borders.
"We commit to provide information on illegal routes that victims might have taken, to allow the local government units and law enforcement agencies to conduct tightening of security in emerging hotspots," Viado stated.
