MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinas bound for Albania were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after authorities flagged them as victims of an illegal recruitment and human trafficking scheme, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.

The women, aged 32 and 48, were initially scheduled to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Singapore on June 18. During primary inspection, however, immigration officers grew suspicious due to their inconsistent statements, conflicting itineraries, and inability to answer basic travel questions. This led to a secondary inspection.

“They initially claimed they were close friends going on a tourist trip to Singapore,” the BI said. “But further questioning revealed their true destination was Albania, where they were promised jobs as household workers earning €500 or about P38,000 monthly.”

The two later admitted that they were recruited through a job post on Facebook, with all arrangements handled via WhatsApp.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned the public against falling for similar deceptive offers online. “We are witnessing yet another case of online illegal recruitment. These schemes trick Filipinos with generous offers, but often place them in unsafe and exploitative conditions,” Viado said.

He reminded jobseekers to consult government agencies before pursuing employment abroad.

The victims were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further assistance, while authorities prepare to file charges against their recruiter.