DOJ orders probe into trafficking of people out of NCR Plus bubble

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday assured the public that the government would take action against the trafficking of people wanting to escape the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces currently under the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“We’ll respond to the call of (Transportation) Secretary Art Tugade. I’ll direct the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to look into these alleged incidents of ‘human smuggling’ and conduct a full-blown investigation if there is any indication that the practice is widespread,” Guevarra said.

A video circulated on social media showing a truck with people inside, most of whom were not wearing face masks, face shields, or observing social distancing. They all exited the truck and boarded a van. The truck was traveling between Quezon province and the Bicol area, approximately eight hours from Metro Manila.

Passengers are allegedly making reservations on social media. They were guided to a pick-up location and escorted out of the NCR plus bubble.

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