The Bureau of Immigration has foiled a total of 688 attempts of human trafficking and illegal recruitment in the country’s international ports.
BI commissioner Jaime Morente called for increased vigilance against emerging schemes employed by trafficking syndicates and illegal recruiters to Filipinos who wish to work overseas.
“Over the years, we have observed the tactics of these illegal recruiters. The victims would usually be given fake documents or fed fake statements, either to work illegally abroad or to attempt to depart for countries with imposed deployment bans,” Morente said.
According to Morente, the warning is aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of human trafficking, especially during the global pandemic.
The BI deferred the departure of a total of 13,680 passengers in 2021.
“In these trying times, Filipinos in dire financial need become easy prey to illegal recruiters who will assure them of lucrative jobs abroad,” he said.