BI warns traffickers not to exploit international events

The Bureau of Immigration has warned traffickers not to take advantage of international events to commit crimes.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that events such as sports competitions, gaming competitions, and concerts may be used by traffickers to attempt to circumvent strict departure formalities.

“In the past, we have recorded victims who claimed they were set to join beauty pageants and shows, only to find out that they were being trafficked abroad,” he said on Saturday, May 6.

“Those who will be traveling for legitimate purposes need not worry,” he added. “We are sending a warning to illegal recruiters not to abuse international events as we remain on the lookout to prevent victims from being trafficked.”

Tangsingco issued the reminder after the Department of Justice (DOJ) requested that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) provide adequate warning to athletes, supporters, and attendees of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games of the risks of trafficking in Cambodia.

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The DOJ also asked that the PSC issue official endorsements that will aid immigration officers in establishing spectators’ declared purpose of travel and in identifying potentially trafficked or illegally recruited persons.

The BI earlier noticed an increase in trafficked Filipinos in Cambodia due to a cryptocurrency and call center scam targeting young urban professionals.

The 32nd Southeast Asian Games are taking place in Cambodia from May 5 to May 17.

Carl Santos