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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 8 'human trafficking victims' intercepted at Zamboanga International Seaport -- BI

8 'human trafficking victims' intercepted at Zamboanga International Seaport -- BI

Published Nov 18, 2023 07:54 am

Eight Malaysia-bound Filipino workers have been intercepted at the Zamboanga International Seaport (ZIS) before they could board a vessel to Sandakan, Sabah last Nov. 13.

In a statement, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the eight Filipinos, whose identities were withheld, were believed victims of human trafficking.

It said that during inspection, the workers presented themselves as tourists with varying reasons for travel like purchasing welding machinery abroad and visiting family and friends.

During secondary inspection, however, the BI said the eight passengers confessed that they would work in a shipyard and engineering firm in Kuala Lumpur.

The BI turned them over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation.

“The strengthened anti-trafficking measures, implemented not only in airports but also in seaports, show the government’s commitment to combat this illicit activity comprehensively,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

“Aspiring workers abroad must obtain the necessary clearances and approvals from relevant government agencies. This includes verification of your employment contract, validation of the job offer, and securing overseas employment certificates from the Department of Migrant Workers,” Tansingco said.

 

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