The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is intensifying its investigation into claims that certain airport immigration counters facilitated the illegal departure of trafficked Filipino workers.
Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said some repatriated victims from Myanmar revealed that corrupt immigration officers helped them bypass the usual departure process.
So far, seven officers have been relieved, with more suspensions likely as CCTV footage and testimonies are reviewed.
Over 200 trafficking victims were recently repatriated, with many having passed through the “southern backdoor” or posing as tourists.
The BI is committed to rooting out corruption and strengthening border security to prevent further exploitation.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 2, 2025
