Immigration Officer Earns P500,000 Daily in Human Trafficking Operations at NAIA Arrested

Immigration Officer Earns P500,000 Daily in Human Trafficking Operations at NAIA Arrested

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | September 18, 2027

MANILA, Philippines – An immigration officer at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on September 12, 2026, for alleged involvement in a human trafficking and illegal recruitment syndicate. The arrest, coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), follows an ongoing investigation into these illicit activities.

Authorities are also investigating two additional NAIA Terminal 1 immigration officers. One has been relieved of duty, while a job order employee has been terminated and is under investigation, according to BI spokesperson Atty. Anisha Hassan. Two private individuals are also being investigated by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), which includes the NBI and BI.

The arrested officer allegedly facilitated the departure of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with incomplete documents. The NBI reports that the syndicate amassed up to P500,000 daily from these illegal transactions. The officer faces charges including violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and breaches of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The investigation intensified after officials rescued a 35-year-old potential human trafficking victim, identified as “Inah,” at NAIA Terminal 1 on September 12. Inah was allegedly recruited online via Telegram and Messenger for a phone operator position at a casino near the Myanmar-Thailand border, with a promised salary of P50,000 monthly. She was booked as a tourist despite her employment purpose. Inah reported being pressured by her recruiter, “Miss A,” to pay an additional P20,000 after attempting to withdraw from the arrangement, prompting her to seek NBI assistance.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado affirmed a zero-tolerance policy. “We will not allow our airports to become gateways for trafficking and illegal recruitment. We will not tolerate any BI personnel involved in illegal activities. They will be investigated and held accountable,” he stated. Viado also cautioned Filipinos seeking overseas employment to verify opportunities through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) before making travel arrangements.