Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI SEMRO 11) led by Regional Director lawyer Arcelito C. Albao intercepted and rescued on Tuesday three women from a suspected human trafficking operation at the Davao International Airport (DIA).
According to NBI 11, the victims were allegedly recruited by a certain “Lalang” and a certain “Yolly”, who were both currently at large, for supposed employment as entertainers in Singapore.
The NBI 11 reported that the victims were booked on a Scoot Airlines flight from Davao to Singapore (TR 369) but were offloaded due to incomplete and improper travel documents.
NBI 11 stated that during the agency agents’ on-site investigation, the victims disclosed that they were instructed to seek clearance from specific immigration officers.
“However, they did not approach those individuals, which prompted further scrutiny by another immigration officer who flagged their papers. Preliminary findings indicate that the victims had allegedly paid “Lalang” a sum of money for the processing of their employment documents,” NBI 11 stated.
NBI 11 added that it is now investigating the possible involvement of immigration personnel named by the recruiter.
It said that the victims will be placed under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for protection and support.
NBI 11 said criminal complaints will be prepared and filed against the recruiter and any complicit parties pursuant to Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA No. 10364, otherwise known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
It also stated that the operation was aligned with priorities set by NBI National Director Santiago, as well as underscoring the NBI’s continued vigilance against modern-day slavery and its commitment to dismantling trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable Filipinos.
