BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION IN ‘HOT SEAT’ ANEW DUE TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING

December 1, 2022

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National News

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the alleged involvement of Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials in the reported trafficking of Filipinos for a crypto-scamming job in Myanmar.

Remulla said that “no one will be spared” in the investigation.

“Kahit sino pa yan let the axe fall where it may,” said Remulla.

In a recent Senate hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed a new modus operandi being used by human trafficking syndicates allegedly utilizing connections with the BI and airport terminal officials in getting Filipinos out of the country.

Hontiveros presented a person she named “Paulo” who revealed his experiences with an alleged human trafficking syndicate.

The witness said they were recruited on the promise of getting telemarketing work in Mae Sot, Thailand, but they ended up in Myanmar for a crypto-scamming job.

Paulo said his recruiter told him that an “escort” would help with immigration to expedite his departure.

“Para itong Pastillas Part 2, pero mas malala at mas mapusok,” Hontiveros said.

“Kahit hindi sila dumadaan ng immigration counter, natatakan ang passport ni Paulo ng official exit stamp ng BI. May umasikaso sa kanya sa airport. Biglang natakot si Paulo sa prosesong pinapatahak sa kanya, kaya’t sinabihan niya ang recruiter na di na siya tutuloy,” Hontiveros expounded.