NBI probes 2 NAIA immigration officers

MANILA, Philippines — After the arrest of a Bureau of Immigration officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Sept. 12, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating two more BI personnel at NAIA for their possible involvement in an illegal recruitment and human trafficking scheme.

Both the NBI and BI are investigating the two officers who are assigned at the NAIA Terminal 1 departure area.

BI spokesperson Anisha Hassan said one of the two was relieved from his post while the other, a job order worker, was terminated from employment.

Hassan said the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking is investigating two other people for involvement in the scheme.

The NBI arrested last week an immigration officer after allowing several overseas Filipino workers to depart, even when their documents were incomplete.

According to the NBI, the officer collected up to P500,000 from illegal recruiters after the transactions were done.

The immigration officer is facing charges for human trafficking, corruption and violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

“We will not allow our airports to become gateways for trafficking and illegal recruitment. At the same time, we will not tolerate any BI personnel who may have been involved in illegal activities. They will be investigated and held accountable if warranted by evidence,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

He advised Filipinos seeking employment abroad to exercise caution, follow established government procedures and verify overseas job opportunities through the Department of Migrant Workers before accepting job offers or making travel arrangements.