MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) expressed concern over cases involving Filipinos who, despite previous rescue and repatriation from trafficking, still fall victim again to similar schemes.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado raised the alarm after immigration officers intercepted two Filipinos who were previously repatriated in 2025 following their earlier trafficking to Cambodia.

“It is alarming that despite previous victimization, some individuals still fall into the same schemes,” Viado said.

He added that the incident underscores the continuing and evolving tactics used by trafficking syndicates.

“This highlights the persistent and evolving tactics of trafficking syndicates,” he said.

Viado also urged the public to carefully evaluate overseas job offers, warning that many seemingly legitimate opportunities may lead to exploitation.

“These offers may seem legitimate, but they often lead to exploitation,” he said.

He assured that the Bureau of Immigration will continue strengthening border control measures to prevent human trafficking and protect Filipinos.

Based on BI records, the two individuals—a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman—were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on May 4 as they attempted to board a flight to Indonesia.

Authorities said the pair initially presented themselves as tourists but later admitted during questioning that they had been recruited for work abroad.

Records also showed that both had previously been repatriated in 2025 after being trafficked in 2024, and had earlier left the country through illegal channels en route to Cambodia.