The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that the ‘biggest trend’ seen among departing Filipinos is employment in scam hubs, often linked to human trafficking cases.

In an exclusive interview on DZRH Special on Saturday (SOS), BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that more than 1,000 Filipinos have already been repatriated after falling victim to these scam operations. She said the victims were allegedly recruited for call center jobs, but upon arrival abroad, they were forced to work as scammers and engage in fraudulent activities.

“Pero pag dating doon, ginagawa silang scammer at pinupwersa sila na mag-engage in scamming activities,” she noted, adding that those who fail to meet imposed quotas are often physically abused.

According to the spokesperson, 178 potential victims of online scam operations were intercepted at the airport and referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

“Ito pong mga in-endorse na ito, ibig sabihin may nakita po na elements ng trafficking at may nakitang posibleng recruiter itong mga ito para kasuhan,” said Sandoval, indicating that the recruiters may face criminal charges when found guilty.

She also said that several cases referred to the IACAT have resulted in successful law enforcement operations, leading to the arrest of around 17 to 18 suspected human traffickers and illegal recruiters.

“Hindi naman po matatapos kung basta na lang tayo pigil nang pigil ng biyahe ng mga biktima, kailangan yung mismong recruiter na siya pong nag aayos ay mahuli po at makulong,” the officer added, stating that efforts to curb human trafficking will not be effective if enforcement is limited to intercepting victims, stressing that recruiters who facilitate these illegal operations must be arrested instead.

Moreover, thousands of fugitives and illegal aliens have been intercepted by the BI following the enactment of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) ban.