NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking

02/10/2026

Hinarang ng immigration ang tatlong Pilipinang nagdeklarang magbabakasyon sa Vietnam.

Hinihinala kasing biktima sila ng human trafficking at magtratrabaho sa Cambodia.

01/10/2026

SUSPECTED RECRUITER ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED TRAFFICKING OF FILIPINO WORKERS TO MYANMAR SCAM HUB

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — 21 August 2026 — A suspected recruiter was arrested upon her arrival in the Philippines in connection with the alleged recruitment and trafficking of Filipino workers who were reportedly lured by promises of legitimate employment abroad but were eventually brought to an online scam operation in Myanmar.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking - Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (IACAT-NAIATFAT), acting on information relayed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), formally endorsed the case to the National Bureau of Investigation–International Airport Investigation Division (NBI-IAID) following the arrival of twenty-five (25) repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Myanmar and Japan. The repatriation was facilitated through the concerted efforts of the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The respondent, identified as a.k.a. “PHOENIX,” was arrested on 21 August 2026 after five (5) of the repatriated OFWs filed complaints alleging that she recruited them for purported positions as Human Resources/Editor personnel and Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) for a Chinese company in Thailand. The complainants alleged that they were promised salaries of approximately US$2,000 per month, plus commissions, free accommodation, and meals.

According to the complainants, a.k.a. “PHOENIX” allegedly collected ₱25,000 in connection with their recruitment and deployment and communicated through social media with another individual identified as a.k.a. “CHEN.” The complainants further alleged that they were instructed to travel as tourists and were provided with airline tickets, hotel accommodations, bank statements, and certificates of employment. They were allegedly directed to delete their communications after clearing Philippine immigration and were given detailed instructions on which immigration counters and officers to approach.

Upon arrival in Thailand, the complainants alleged that they were transported for several hours toward the Thailand-Myanmar border and were eventually taken to KK Park in Myawaddy, Myanmar. It was there, they said, that they discovered that the employment promised to them was not the actual purpose of their recruitment and that they were instead allegedly forced to participate in an online scam operation.

The complainants further recounted the conditions they allegedly experienced inside the facility, including prolonged working hours, threats, physical and psychological abuse, and punitive measures. Three (3) male complainants alleged that they were made to work for more than nineteen (19) hours a day without receiving their promised salaries. One complainant alleged that he was repeatedly slapped, resulting in temporary hearing loss. Another complainant, who reportedly worked for approximately nine (9) months without receiving the promised salary, alleged that she was required to work for almost twenty (20) hours a day and lost consciousness twice due to extreme exhaustion.

The complainants also reported witnessing other workers being physically abused and punished, which they said caused them fear and trauma. They were eventually rescued by the Myanmar Army, turned over to Thai authorities, and brought to various Thai government facilities before being repatriated to the Philippines on 20 August 2026.

“Behind every case of trafficking is a Filipino who placed his/her trust in the promise of a better life. We recognize the courage of our repatriated OFWs who, despite the trauma and painful experiences they endured, chose to come forward and speak about what happened to them. Their voices are vital in helping authorities hold those responsible accountable and in strengthening our efforts to protect other Filipinos from falling victim to trafficking and exploitation. No Filipino should be deceived, abused, or treated as a commodity in pursuit of a better future.”
— Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Jinky Patagan Dedumo,
Head of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFAT)

Verification with the DMW established that a.k.a. “PHOENIX” was not licensed or authorized to engage in recruitment or placement activities for overseas employment. Based on the evidence and testimonies gathered, the NBI-IAID placed the respondent under arrest, apprised her of her constitutional rights, and brought her before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasay City for inquest proceedings for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The respondent also faces a complaint for Syndicated and Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, in view of the alleged unauthorized recruitment of more than three (3) persons and alleged conspiracy or confederation with other participants, including an immigration officer. Authorities emphasized that the investigation and prosecution of all persons who may have participated in the alleged recruitment and trafficking remain ongoing.

The government remains resolute in pursuing individuals and networks that exploit Filipinos seeking legitimate employment abroad. At the same time, authorities urge prospective overseas workers to verify job offers and transact only with recruitment entities duly licensed and authorized by the DMW. The government likewise recognizes the courage of the repatriated OFWs who came forward and shared their experiences, helping authorities pursue accountability and strengthen efforts to protect Filipinos from trafficking and exploitation.

30/09/2026

IACAT-NAIATFAT LEADS ONE-STOP SHOP PROCESSING FOR 25 REPATRIATED FILIPINOS; TRAFFICKING SUSPECT ARRESTED UPON ARRIVAL

PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking–NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking (IACAT-NAIATFAT), under the leadership of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Jinky Patagan Dedumo, led the Inter-Agency One-Stop-Shop Processing (OSSP) of twenty-five (25) repatriated Overseas Filipinos (OFs), including suspected victims of human trafficking, from Myanmar and Japan on August 21, 2026, at an OWWA facility in Pasay City.

The coordinated government response ensured that returning Filipinos particularly those who may have experienced exploitation, abuse, and other forms of vulnerability received immediate assistance, protection, assessment, and appropriate intervention upon their arrival in the country.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of one suspected trafficking perpetrator upon arrival, underscoring the government’s continuing commitment to identify, investigate, and hold accountable individuals involved in human trafficking and related offenses.

The OSSP brought together key government agencies in a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered response. Participating agencies included the Department of Justice–IACAT-NAIATFAT, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Bureau of Immigration–Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (BI-IPROBES), National Bureau of Investigation–International Airport Investigation Division (NBI-IAID), Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Through the coordinated efforts of the NBI-IAID and PNP-WCPC, investigation and case-build-up activities were undertaken to identify and pursue individuals, recruiters, and recruitment entities allegedly responsible for the recruitment and exploitation of the returning Filipinos.

The NAIATFAT prosecutors provided legal guidance to law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and case build-up to help ensure that the evidence gathered would support the filing of appropriate cases and withstand judicial scrutiny.

Beyond investigation and prosecution, participating agencies addressed the immediate and long-term needs of the returning Filipinos. The DSWD, DMW, and OWWA facilitated appropriate financial, transportation, and reintegration assistance, while the DOH prioritized their medical assessment and other health-related needs.

“To those who recruit, exploit, deceive, and profit from the suffering of our fellow Filipinos, let this serve as a clear warning: the government will pursue you wherever you may be, and we will use every available legal means to hold you accountable,” said SASP Jinky P. Dedumo, Chief of NAIATFAT.

“Human trafficking is not merely a violation of the law; it is an assault on human dignity. We will continue to strengthen our investigations and case build-up to ensure that perpetrators face justice.”

Chief Dedumo likewise emphasized that the government’s response does not end with the rescue or repatriation of trafficking victims, but must also include their protection, recovery, and reintegration.

“To our returning Filipinos and victims, you are not alone, and you are not to blame for what happened to you. Your return is not the end of your journey; it is the beginning of your recovery. We are here to listen, protect, assist, and help you rebuild your lives with dignity and hope,” she added.

The NAIATFAT also acknowledged the continued support and collaboration of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in strengthening government efforts to combat trafficking and protect Filipinos from exploitation.

The successful implementation of the One-Stop-Shop Processing reflects the government’s whole-of-government approach to combating human trafficking, bringing together law enforcement, prosecution, health, social welfare, migrant-worker protection, and reintegration services in a coordinated response.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting Filipinos from trafficking and exploitation, pursuing those responsible, and ensuring that victims receive the assistance, protection, and justice they deserve.

25/09/2026

A 19-year-old household worker was stopped from boarding her flight to Saudi Arabia after immigration officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 discovered that she allegedly used a fraudulent birth certificate to meet the age requirement for overseas Filipino workers.

The passenger declared that she was born in 2001, making her 24 years old. However, verification through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s e-Verification mobile application showed her actual birth year as 2007, revealing a discrepancy with the information in her passport.

The passenger was referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for appropriate intervention, while her passport will be endorsed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for appropriate action.

Bureau of Immigration commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reminded travelers against using fraudulent or counterfeit documents, warning that these may result in travel delays, denied departure, and possible legal consequences. | via Rodolfo Santos

24/09/2026

𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝘾𝙀𝘿𝙐𝙍𝙀𝙎. 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙏𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉.

The PNP-WCPC, with the support of AWO International, successfully conducted the validation of its Revised SOP on Trafficking in Persons and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, marking a significant step toward strengthening operational response, harmonizing inter-agency procedures, and addressing critical gaps in victim protection.

This initiative reinforces a unified, victim-centered, and child-sensitive approach to combating trafficking and online child exploitation, advancing the PNP-WCPC’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of every victim and survivor.

24/09/2026

𝗜𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥-𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗬 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗨𝗜𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) commends the coordinated efforts of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFAT), Bureau of Immigration, and National Bureau of Investigation that led to the interception of a potential victim of human trafficking and illegal recruitment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Timely information-sharing and coordinated action among government agencies were critical in the success of identifying and preventing potential trafficking victims from leaving the country.

The IACAT lauds that the successful operation resulted in the investigation of a government personnel allegedly involved in facilitating the trafficking and illegal recruitment. The Council stresses that the use of public authority, position, access, or government processes to enable trafficking or illegal recruitment is a serious matter that will be dealt with by law enforcement authorities. Facilitators, regardless of background and position, will be held accountable through the appropriate criminal, administrative, and other proceedings.

The IACAT further underscores that government personnel entrusted with protecting the public and securing the country’s borders carry a heightened duty to uphold the law and protect potential victims of trafficking. An attempt to compromise, circumvent, or undermine anti-trafficking and departure protocols for personal or illicit gain strikes at the integrity of government institutions and will be addressed through the full extent of the law.

As partners in the fight against human trafficking, the IACAT calls on all public officials and government personnel to uphold their duty to prevent and combat trafficking and to ensure that their authority and public office are never used to facilitate or enable such crimes. The Council urges public officials to remain vigilant and actively support efforts to prevent trafficking at every point of intervention.

The Council further calls on the public to report individuals, including public officials or government personnel, who are suspected of facilitating human trafficking. Reports may be submitted to the IACAT for appropriate investigation and action, enabling authorities to address suspected facilitation and take necessary measures to protect potential victims from exploitation.
The IACAT reaffirms its resolute commitment to prevent trafficking at every point of the migration process, strengthen mechanisms that protect potential victims, and the pursuit of accountability against individuals who facilitate or participate in trafficking and related forms of exploitation.

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23/09/2026

19/09/2026

18/09/2026

Department of Foreign Affairs. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday it was verifying reports that Filipinos may have been

18/09/2026