Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

 

Two Taiwanese nationals, Pan Hou-lin and Zeng You-De, have been arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for allegedly trafficking five Filipinos. The arrest occurred at NAIA Terminal 3 as the suspects were accompanying two female and three male Filipinos. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado emphasized the intention to file a deportation case against the suspects if found guilty.

 

Pan and Zeng allegedly claimed to sponsor the Filipinos for a religious activity in Taiwan, but further investigation revealed the group was headed to Thailand and Cambodia. They were reportedly recruited online and promised monthly salaries between P40,000 and P50,000. The Filipinos admitted they had initially been told about delivering a Buddha statue as part of an apparently organized religious trip.

 

The Bureau of Immigration highlighted the disturbing trend of exploiting vulnerable individuals seeking overseas work. Viado reinforced the commitment to stopping trafficking activities and ensuring the convicted serve sentences in the Philippines before deportation.

 

Looking forward, authorities will continue their investigation and prosecute those involved in trafficking networks. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect aspiring overseas workers from exploitation.

 

Key Takeaways

• Two Taiwanese men were arrested for trafficking five Filipinos.
• The victims were promised jobs in Thailand and Cambodia.
• Authorities plan to pursue legal and deportation actions.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-09-23

 

 

Good spot by the Immigration Bureau!