AUTHORITIES potentially prevented human trafficking after intercepting a departing passenger bound for Hong Kong at the Davao International Airport on Friday, Feb. 9.
The incident began when a Bureau of Immigration intelligence officer referred a 43-year-old female passenger from Davao Oriental to the Davao International Airport Police Station (DIAPS) for further investigation.
Suspecting human trafficking, the DIAPS immediately coordinated with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) XI and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) XI.
During questioning, the passenger revealed she was traveling to Hong Kong en route to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to work as a domestic helper. She claimed that the job opportunity was offered by a friend in Lebanon and facilitated by an individual named “Mary Grace Solis” in the UAE, with whom she communicated through social media.
However, authorities raised concerns when they discovered that the passenger’s Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) belonged to another individual. This discrepancy, along with other factors, raised suspicions of potential human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
The BI deferred the passenger’s departure, confiscated her Philippine passport, and referred her to the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA).
The IACAT XI and DMW Region XI are assisting the passenger and investigating the matter further.
“Airport authorities remain committed to preventing human trafficking and illegal recruitment,” said PBGen Christopher M. Abecia, director of the PNP Aviation Security Group. “We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.”
Photos courtesy of AVSEGROUP XI
