Picture courtesy of Inquirer

 

In a troubling revelation, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines has issued a stern warning about a new and alarming trend in human trafficking. This involves Filipinos being recruited and trafficked to work illegally in online gaming hubs in Pakistan, signalling a significant shift in trafficking routes.

 

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado called the discovery a “deeply disturbing trend” that echoes the operations of the infamous Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). “We are now witnessing victims being channelled to Pakistan for illicit online work, a new scheme but from the same criminal playbook connected to illegal Pogos,” he explained.

 

The BI intercepted four Filipinos at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on July 6. The group, consisting of a man and three women in their late 30s to early 40s, was en route to Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific flight 5J 110. Initially, they claimed they were embarking on a short vacation, but further investigation revealed their actual destination was Pakistan. There, they were promised jobs as cleaners and a cook in an online gaming compound.

 

The victims disclosed they were recruited by a Chinese national who assured them monthly salaries between PHP 35,000 and PHP 45,000 (approximately THB 21,000 to THB 27,000). They were instructed to travel under the guise of tourists and were provided with cash to ease their journey.

 

“This modus operandi reeks of exploitation and abuse,” Viado remarked. “These individuals were misled with promises of employment but were instructed to fabricate their travel purposes and await further instructions once abroad.”

 

The BI has taken swift action, passing its findings to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to pursue an investigation into the recruiters and facilitators responsible for this scheme.

 

Commissioner Viado issued a crucial warning to those considering overseas work: “Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, particularly if you're instructed to lie or pose as a tourist. These victims were almost trafficked based on false promises.”

 

This situation highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance and preventive measures as traffickers grow more audacious and deceitful. The BI’s proactive measures underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from falling prey to such nefarious schemes. The message is clear: safeguarding hopeful overseas workers must become a priority, ensuring dreams of a better life do not turn into nightmares.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-07-07

 

 

irrelevant!