By Alec Go
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it has reminded its personnel to conduct strict inspections professionally amid the recent viral TikTok video involving its personnel that delayed a flight of a Filipina passenger.
An investigation has been conducted and the involved immigration officer has been asked to submit a full report.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused the Filipina passenger and other Filipino passengers,” the BI said, adding that the passenger was “eventually allowed to travel after filling out the Border Control Questionnaire and undergoing secondary inspection.”
It also urged netizens to report concerns about its personnel to the Immigration Helpline PH Facebook page.
“Personnel development intended to improve services is a continuing priority for the BI, as the agency remains committed to provide the best and most effective immigration service,” it stated.
Based on the video of the passenger’s narrative in December, she shared that she was asked various questions including some that she found irrelevant.
The BI sought consideration from the public, saying that strict measures are being implemented as part of the intensified campaign against human trafficking.
It noted that 32,404 Filipinos were deferred departure in 2020, including 472 that were victims of trafficking and illegal recruitment.
There were also 873 “who misrepresented themselves or presented fraudulent documents” and 10 who were underaged or minors attempting to work abroad.
“The issue of human trafficking and illegal recruitment is real and is happening every day.
No less than the President has expressed his concern on the increasing number of victims of trafficking,” the BI said.
“Recently, the BI noted numerous young urban professionals–those with good travel records, gainfully employed, and are graduates of good schools–that have been victimized by a cryptocurrency scam syndicate that transports them to Myanmar and other Asian countries,” it added.
Earlier, the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta warned Filipinos against illegal recruitment schemes offering jobs that promise high salaries. Victims were forced to work under harsh conditions, low wages, and suffer from abuse.
The BI said victims were also promised a $1,000 salary and “were forced to scam Westerners” and subjected to corporal punishment if they miss their quota.
“We have initiated coordination with popular social media platforms to discuss ways to combat this issue,” the BI said. – cf
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