A 35-year-old Filipino male was intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA | MNL | RPLL) after allegedly being duped into working for a scam hub in Cambodia.
According to Mary Jane Hizon, Chief of the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES), the passenger initially claimed to be a tourist traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam, aboard a Cebu Pacific flight at NAIA Terminal 3. However, his inconsistent responses during routine questioning raised suspicions, leading to a secondary inspection.
During the secondary interview, the individual admitted that Cambodia was his true destination. He revealed that he had been recruited via Facebook and lured with promises of employment at a business process outsourcing (BPO) company. The recruiter reportedly provided travel documents through the Telegram app and instructed the man to transit through Vietnam before proceeding to Cambodia.
“The traveler claimed that his trip was ‘on-the-spot’ or spontaneous. However, his inconsistent responses during primary questioning raised suspicions, prompting his referral for secondary inspection,” explained Hizon. “These so-called BPOs are often fronts for scam hubs engaging in illicit activities such as catphishing, where individuals are forced to deceive victims online for financial gain.”
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a stern warning to the public, urging vigilance against illegal recruiters and online syndicates. “Scam syndicates have been preying on unsuspecting Filipinos, enticing them with lucrative offers abroad. We urge everyone to verify the legitimacy of recruiters and job offers through the Department of Migrant Workers. Walang maloloko kung walang magpapaloko (No one can be scammed if no one allows themselves to be deceived),” Viado emphasized.
The intercepted traveler was barred from leaving the country and referred to appropriate authorities for further investigation. The BI reiterated its commitment to protecting Filipinos from falling victim to human trafficking and illegal recruitment networks.