BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has called for a thorough investigation into an incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where an airport employee was caught escorting three human trafficking victims. Tansingco emphasized the need for the NAIA authorities to take immediate action and ensure that appropriate charges are filed against the recruiters involved.
The case has been referred to the NAIA Anti-Trafficking Task Force and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat) for further investigation. Commissioner Tansingco declined to disclose the name of the employee, as the case is now under the jurisdiction of the proper investigating bodies. He also highlighted the significance of this incident as a warning to all airport personnel, emphasizing that they should not collude with illegal recruiters.
The incident occurred on December 22 at NAIA Terminal 3, as the trafficking victims were attempting to depart for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, via Thailand. The airport employee was observed escorting the victims to the immigration counters, a clear violation of protocol.
Tansingco stressed that unauthorized personnel, particularly those providing VIP treatment to trafficking victims, are strictly prohibited from accessing immigration areas at the airport. Immigration supervisors promptly intervened, signaling that such actions were unauthorized and against protocol.
Upon secondary inspection, it was discovered that the three victims, who initially claimed to be friends from General Santos City on vacation, did not know each other’s names and lacked return tickets to General Santos. This raised suspicions and led to further investigation.
This incident is not an isolated case. Last April, BI officers apprehended an airline employee who attempted to facilitate the departure of a human trafficking victim with a fake immigration departure stamp on her passport. During questioning, the victim admitted to being escorted by an airline employee while queuing at the immigration departure counter.
Furthermore, NAIA security guards have caught several passengers attempting to bypass immigration inspection by wearing fake NAIA passes, leading to an investigation into an airline employee who allegedly tried to facilitate the departure of a victim.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced in combating human trafficking at airports. The collaboration between immigration authorities, airport personnel, and other relevant agencies is crucial in preventing such illegal activities. Strict adherence to protocols and continuous vigilance are necessary to ensure the safety and security of passengers.
The BI Commissioner’s call for a thorough investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and protecting vulnerable individuals from falling victim to human trafficking. The outcome of this investigation will not only determine the fate of the erring airport employee but also send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
As international travelers, it is essential to be aware of the signs of human trafficking and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. By working together, we can contribute to the eradication of this heinous crime and create a safer environment for everyone.
Source: The Manila Times
