A 41-year-old Filipina was intercepted by Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, suspected of being a victim of a mail-order-bride scheme, who was being escorted by a 52-year-old Moroccan national.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the identities of the victim and the suspect were withheld in compliance with anti-trafficking laws.
The female victim initially claimed she was traveling to Morocco via the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) together with her alleged husband last June 29.
However, officers found numerous inconsistencies in their statements. “Upon separate questioning, both individuals appeared evasive and suspicious when asked about details of their travel,” said Viado.
The two presented a marriage certificate, insisting they were married. But details in the certificate were inconsistent, prompting officers to refer it for forensic document checks.
The BI’s anti-fraud section’s forensic documents laboratory confirmed that the document presented was counterfeit.
Officers immediately turned over the duo to the inter-agency council against trafficking (IACAT).
“We will not tolerate the use of fake or falsified documents in trafficking efforts,” said Viado. “Individuals caught using fake documents shall face the harshest penalty of the law.”
