DAVAO CITY (September 10) — The rescue of 27 women on the shores of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last week has once again exposed how the Philippines' porous maritime borders continue to serve as lifelines for human trafficking syndicates. With no documents, no legal protection, and no legitimate jobs awaiting them, the women became the latest victims in a crisis fueled by poverty and … [Read more...] about Trafficked by Sea: The silent crisis along the Philippines’ Southern Border
Human trafficking
NBI arrests two suspected human traffickers in Rizal
DAVAO CITY (April 26) — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two suspected human traffickers in simultaneous operations in Taytay, Rizal, resulting in the rescue of 14 victims, including four minors. The suspects, identified as Roel San Esteban and Maria Antonette Maltos a.k.a. "Maria," are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9208 … [Read more...] about NBI arrests two suspected human traffickers in Rizal
176 Pinoy human trafficking victims from Myanmar finally home
DAVAO CITY — A total of 176 Filipino victims of human trafficking from Myanmar arrived back in the Philippines on March 26, 2025, following a successful repatriation effort led by Philippine government authorities. The victims, who had been lured to Myanmar with promises of a monthly salary of P30,000 as marketing officers, found themselves trapped in scam hubs. There, … [Read more...] about 176 Pinoy human trafficking victims from Myanmar finally home
BI Intercepts Filipino tourist bound for scam hub abroad
DAVAO CITY ---The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted a 35-year-old Filipino male at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) who was allegedly duped into working for a scam hub in Cambodia. BI Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) Chief Mary Jane Hizon said the individual initially presented himself as a tourist bound for Hanoi, Vietnam, … [Read more...] about BI Intercepts Filipino tourist bound for scam hub abroad
CIDG seizes PHP2.4 billion in counterfeit cigarettes, smuggling quipment in major anti-smuggling operation
DAVAO CITY – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has seized PHP2.4 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes and manufacturing equipment in a two-day operation in Valenzuela City and San Rafael, Bulacan. The CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit (AFCCU), in collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), … [Read more...] about CIDG seizes PHP2.4 billion in counterfeit cigarettes, smuggling quipment in major anti-smuggling operation
