Three Filipinas allegedly trafficked through an illegal exit scheme have been repatriated after being exploited in Malaysia, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported, in line with efforts to intensify the government’s campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration.

The victims arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on May 12 from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia via an AirAsia flight, and were later turned over for debriefing and assistance.

Based on initial interviews conducted by the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES), the women—in their twenties to thirties—reportedly left the Philippines separately in June 2025 through an unauthorized sea route in Palawan, facilitated by a male handler. They allegedly boarded a small boat through an illegal “backdoor” passage before being brought to Malaysia.

Authorities said the victims were later promised legitimate employment as hotel receptionists with salaries reaching up to PHP 100,000 per month. However, they claimed they were instead forced to work in KTV bars, where they were allegedly made to accompany customers, consume alcohol, and rely solely on tips for income.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the case highlights the continued operations of organized trafficking and illegal recruitment syndicates exploiting vulnerable Filipinos through unregulated border crossings.

“These syndicates deliberately avoid legal ports and immigration inspection to evade government detection,” Viado said, warning that traffickers continue to adapt their methods through unauthorized sea routes.

He also stressed the need for stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and coastal communities, particularly in Palawan, to prevent similar incidents and dismantle trafficking networks.

The victims have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further assistance and ongoing investigation into those responsible for the scheme.