The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in MIMAROPA is set to intensify its “intelligence gathering” efforts to combat human trafficking cases.
NBI MIMAROPA Regional Director Gelacio D. Bongngat said during the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” event on October 1 that human trafficking remains a significant challenge for the agency.
“’Yan ‘yong challenge ulit sa amin [sa NBI] sa ngayon, ang human trafficking. Kailangan natin dito na paigtingin ang intel gathering patungkol dito at hinihikayat namin ang mga biktima na to come in the open, makipag-ugnayan sa NBI upang masugpo ang mga ganyang human trafficking case,” Bongngat stated.
He further noted that there are already cases filed concerning human trafficking in the MIMAROPA region, particularly in Palawan.
Bongngat explained that human trafficking often starts with the employment of minors in bars, an act strictly prohibited by law.
The director also encouraged the media present at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas to report any bars employing minors immediately to the NBI to help rescue the victims.
Bongngat said illegal recruitment is another method of human trafficking.
The NBI is currently monitoring cases of illegal recruitment involving victims being brought into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). Bongngat mentioned that POGOs have now spread to Cambodia and Myanmar.
“Yong mga POGO naglipana na, pumunta na sila sa Cambodia at Myanmar. May mga cases na rin kaming binabantayan dito sa MIMAROPA na hinihintay nila ang ating mga kababayan na magtrabaho dito. Sa Thailand, doon sila pini-pick-up going to Cambodia, only to find out na doon pala sila ibebenta sa mga POGO,” he explained.
The NBI is also keeping a close watch on the backdoor routes in MIMAROPA, particularly in Palawan, which human traffickers use to smuggle victims out of the country.
“Binabantayan natin, lalo na dito sa MIMAROPA, prone to back door ang rehiyon natin. From Palawan, particularly the Mangsee Island going to Indonesia and Malaysia, napakalapit po nito. Two to three hours lang yata kung nasa Mangsee ka sa Palawan ay nasa Malaysia ka na or Borneo,” the director added.
He called on the media to assist the government by reporting suspected human trafficking activities in the region to help eradicate the problem.
He also advised those intending to work abroad to ensure that the companies they apply to are legitimate to avoid falling victim to illegal recruitment and being trafficked to POGO hubs through backdoor routes. (PIA)
