(File photo)
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted and rescued four Filipino women who were trafficked to work as waitresses in China.
In a statement Monday, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the women, whose identities were withheld, were apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Parañaque City after presenting themselves as tourists bound for Hong Kong on April 21.
The victims claimed they were lured into the scheme by a Taiwanese woman whom they met through social media app, WeChat, and promised them lucrative jobs in the country.
Investigations revealed that the victims were instructed to pose as tourists and were supposed to receive their visas for China upon arrival in Hong Kong, where they would then proceed to work illegally.
“These women were deceived into agreeing into the scheme to work abroad. But in reality, they were being trafficked for exploitation and illegal employment,” the BI chief said.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of society. We will continue to work tirelessly to thwart these criminal activities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.
The victims were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking for assistance, while the recruiter has been recommended for blacklisting. (PNA)
