MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has uncovered a new human trafficking scheme involving Filipino victims being sent to Pakistan to work illegally in online gaming hubs, marking the first known case of its kind and a troubling expansion of POGO-like operations.

In a statement, the BI said four Filipino victims — one male and three females, all in their late 30s to early 40s — were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on July 6 while attempting to board Cebu Pacific flight 5J 110 to Hong Kong. The operation was carried out by the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES).

Initially, the group claimed they were headed to Hong Kong for a vacation. However, during secondary inspection, they admitted their true destination was Pakistan, where they were recruited to work as cleaners and a cook in an online gaming compound. A Chinese national reportedly promised them monthly salaries of ₱35,000 to ₱45,000, gave them travel cash, and instructed them to pose as tourists while awaiting further instructions abroad.

“This is a deeply disturbing trend. We are now seeing victims being funneled to Pakistan for illegal online work — clearly a new scheme from the same criminal playbook tied to illegal POGOs,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said. “This shows how traffickers are becoming more aggressive and deceptive.”

“These people were promised jobs, but were told to lie about their purpose of travel and wait for further instructions overseas. This modus operandi reeks of exploitation and abuse,” he added.

The BI has relayed its findings to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to facilitate an investigation into the recruiters and facilitators behind the scheme.

Viado also warned the public to be wary of overseas job offers that appear too good to be true. “Be cautious of anyone offering too-good-to-be-true opportunities abroad, especially if you’re instructed to lie or pose as a tourist. These victims were scammed, and almost trafficked out of the country under false promises.”

Senator Win Gatchalian also raised alarm over the discovery of Pakistan as a new trafficking destination.

“Malamang na mga taong dating sangkot sa POGO ang gumagawa ng ganitong kriminalidad na nambibiktima ng mga walang malay nating kababayan. Huwag natin silang pabayaang mahulog sa bitag ng mga kriminal dahil lang sa hangad nila na makaahon sa kahirapan,” he said.

“Reports indicating Pakistan as a new human trafficking route are deeply alarming. The government must act swiftly to put an end to human trafficking. I urge strong coordination among IACAT-member agencies and other law enforcement bodies to tighten border control and launch a crackdown on these criminal elements,” Gatchalian added.