Mactan Cebu International Airport (PHOTO FROM THE MCIA FACEBOOK PAGE)
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it intercepted 11 suspected victims of human trafficking at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport last June 21.
In a statement, the BI said that the 11 passengers — seven females and four males — were bound for Dubai when they raised suspicion during initial inspections and were sent over to the Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) for investigation.
The airport’s TCEU supervisor, Christabel Cuizon, expressed concern over the suspected victims’ travel purposes as some had previously been prevented from boarding and were found to possess employment visas.
The individuals were then turned to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Task Force in Cebu.
BI chief Norman Tansingco lauded immigration officers at the airport for their vigilance.
“We salute the hard work and dedication of our officers at the port,” he said.
The BI then emphasized the significance of fighting against human trafficking and urged potential overseas Filipino workers to follow proper procedures and obtain the necessary documentation for their safety and welfare abroad.
The bureau also noted the Philippines’ Tier 1 Ranking in the United States Trafficking in Persons Report, highlighting the country’s efforts to address the issue and assist victims. (Kirsten Segui, INQUIRER.net trainee)