The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted 36 victims of illegal recruitment and arrested four suspected in separate operations in Palawan and Tawi-Tawi, commonly known as backdoor channels for illicit exits out of the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said 14 of the victims were rescued of 14 in Rizal, Palawan while 22 others were intercepted in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The victims narrated that their recruiters instructed them to avoid airports, and use instead the backdoor sea routes to exit the country.
“We congratulate our partners in the local police and LGUs (local government units) for their vigilance and quick response. The rescue of 14 in Palawan and 22 in Tawi-Tawi shows how decisive action at the community level serves as the first line of defense against human trafficking,” Viado said.
