THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) rescued three women from a human trafficking attempt at Francisco Bangoy International Airport on Aug. 12, 2025.
Acting on an intelligence report, NBI XI agents intercepted the three female victims who were scheduled to depart for Singapore on a Scoot Airlines flight.
According to NBI XI Director Arcelito Albao, the women were allegedly recruited by two individuals identified as “Lalang” and “Yolly” to work as “entertainers.”
The trafficking scheme was foiled when the women, who were instructed by their recruiters to approach specific immigration officers, instead sought help from different personnel. This triggered suspicion, leading immigration officers to discover inconsistencies in their travel documents.
The NBI reported that the victims admitted to paying “Lalang” for the processing of their employment papers.
The NBI is now investigating the possible involvement of immigration personnel in the scheme.
The rescued women have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for care and counseling.
Criminal complaints will be filed against the recruiters and any accomplices under Republic Act No. 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
