NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
BI Cracks Down On Corruption: 7 Airport Staff Removed Amid Human Trafficking Probe
FILE
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ramping up its internal cleanup, ordering the removal of seven personnel suspected of involvement in illegal activities. This comes as part of BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado’s push to align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption and tighten border security.
The relieved staff, previously assigned to NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, are now under investigation following reports that they may have facilitated the illegal departure of trafficking victims. These victims—rescued from online scam syndicates in Myanmar—were repatriated on March 25 via a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok. If found guilty of assisting them, the employees could face charges before the Department of Justice.
A Growing Challenge at the Borders
Despite stricter measures, Viado admitted that detecting trafficking victims is becoming more difficult. He pointed out that syndicates are now recruiting individuals with clean travel records, allowing them to blend in as legitimate tourists.
“These traffickers are evolving,” Viado explained. “They’re finding new ways to slip through the cracks, whether through corrupt insiders or alternative routes.”
In 2024 alone, the BI intercepted 1,093 victims of human trafficking. All were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation and case filing against their recruiters.
Smuggling Victims Out Through Backdoor Routes
Viado also warned that syndicates continue to exploit backdoor routes to avoid detection. Earlier this month, the BI reported the repatriation of three trafficking victims from Cambodia. These individuals were forced to work in scam hubs and had no official record of departure from the Philippines. Investigations revealed they had been smuggled out via small boats from Jolo, Sulu, to Sabah, Malaysia. Their passports were later stamped with fake Philippine departure marks before they traveled to Cambodia through Malaysia and Thailand.
A Call for Stronger Collaboration
While the BI is strengthening border security, Viado stressed that fighting human trafficking requires a “whole-of-government” approach. He urged agencies to work together to dismantle trafficking networks, from grassroots recruitment to illegal departures.
“Traffickers will always look for ways to evade inspection,” he said. “We need continuous vigilance, stronger enforcement, and cooperation across all agencies to stop these crimes before more victims fall prey.”
With this latest crackdown, the BI is sending a clear message: corruption and human trafficking will not be tolerated. But with syndicates adapting fast, the battle to protect Filipinos from exploitation is far from over.
The relieved staff, previously assigned to NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, are now under investigation following reports that they may have facilitated the illegal departure of trafficking victims. These victims—rescued from online scam syndicates in Myanmar—were repatriated on March 25 via a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok. If found guilty of assisting them, the employees could face charges before the Department of Justice.
A Growing Challenge at the Borders
Despite stricter measures, Viado admitted that detecting trafficking victims is becoming more difficult. He pointed out that syndicates are now recruiting individuals with clean travel records, allowing them to blend in as legitimate tourists.
“These traffickers are evolving,” Viado explained. “They’re finding new ways to slip through the cracks, whether through corrupt insiders or alternative routes.”
In 2024 alone, the BI intercepted 1,093 victims of human trafficking. All were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation and case filing against their recruiters.
Smuggling Victims Out Through Backdoor Routes
Viado also warned that syndicates continue to exploit backdoor routes to avoid detection. Earlier this month, the BI reported the repatriation of three trafficking victims from Cambodia. These individuals were forced to work in scam hubs and had no official record of departure from the Philippines. Investigations revealed they had been smuggled out via small boats from Jolo, Sulu, to Sabah, Malaysia. Their passports were later stamped with fake Philippine departure marks before they traveled to Cambodia through Malaysia and Thailand.
A Call for Stronger Collaboration
While the BI is strengthening border security, Viado stressed that fighting human trafficking requires a “whole-of-government” approach. He urged agencies to work together to dismantle trafficking networks, from grassroots recruitment to illegal departures.
“Traffickers will always look for ways to evade inspection,” he said. “We need continuous vigilance, stronger enforcement, and cooperation across all agencies to stop these crimes before more victims fall prey.”
With this latest crackdown, the BI is sending a clear message: corruption and human trafficking will not be tolerated. But with syndicates adapting fast, the battle to protect Filipinos from exploitation is far from over.
Mar 26, 2025
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