FOUR Filipino victims of scam syndicates operating in Southeast Asia arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 via a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last July 12.
Three of them left the country as tourists while the other left the “back door,” underscoring the need for stronger monitoring of alternative exit points.
The men, aged 27 to 46, shared harrowing accounts of deception and exploitation.
They said they were enticed by online job offers promising high salaries and quick deployment to Thailand. Upon arrival, however, they were diverted to Cambodia, where they were forced to engage in fraudulent online activities such as love scams and phishing operations targeting foreigners.
One of the victims recounted traveling from Palawan to Kota Kinabalu via a speedboat, then onward to Thailand, Myanmar, and eventually Cambodia. He described experiencing maltreatment, long working hours, and months without pay, eventually escaping and seeking help from the Philippine Embassy.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado denounced the trafficking syndicates, saying, “Human trafficking remains one of the most insidious crimes affecting our people. These victims were lured with lies and ended up stripped of their rights and dignity. The Bureau will not stop in its efforts to identify and dismantle the networks responsible for these abuses.”
Viado also emphasized that measures are being strengthened to prevent similar incidents at airports and seaports, while coordinating closely with international and local agencies.
An investigation is also underway involving individuals possibly linked to trafficking the victims.
“We are investigating all leads, including internal lapses, and will not hesitate to file charges against any personnel found to be complicit in this crime,” added Viado.
The BI urged the public to remain vigilant against overseas job offers found on social media and to transact only with licensed agencies. It also called on victims and concerned citizens to report suspicious activities that may aid in disrupting trafficking operations. – Osias Osorio
