Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers intercepted a suspected trafficking victim and her alleged recruiter attempting to depart for Riyadh at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The BI identified the victim as “Aya,” 21, who was traveling with her supposed uncle “Abu,” 28. Both presented Umrah visas and claimed they were bound for pilgrimage, but intelligence reports revealed the woman was actually being sent to work illegally as a household helper.
During questioning, Aya said she was a former domestic worker in Marawi who had already left her employer. Both suspects were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for investigation.
Authorities arrested “Abu” and recommended charges against him and other possible accomplices involved in the scheme.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau is also probing possible involvement of immigration personnel in the trafficking attempt.
