MANILA -- Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente warned aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) against illegal recruiters providing fake documents.

Morente announced the warning after two passengers disguising as tourists were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 earleir this month.

According to Morente, the passengers, whose names were withheld for their protection, attempted to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai last Oct. 7.

“We are currently in a pandemic, and it is disheartening to know that these illegal recruiters still have the audacity to take advantage of their fellows,” Morente lamented.

In the incident report to the BI Chief, Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) officers revealed that both passengers were first-time travelers holding fake company identification cards and certificates of employment under a certain apparel company.

“They initially told our secondary inspectors that they were sent by an apparel company to attend training as sales representatives in the UAE. However, our officers found inconsistencies in their statements,” Morente said.

Both passengers eventually admitted to never being hired locally by the apparel company and later showed their employment contracts to work as household service workers (HSWs) for a manager who is working in said apparel company.

“They will apparently be employed as household workers of an employee of the apparel company, and not under the company itself,” said Morente.

Morente added that their travel documents were only handed to them by their recruiter prior to their flight.

“The main reason why we require all departing OFWs to be checked first by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is so we are sure that nobody will suffer the consequences of human trafficking,” said Morente in a statement. “Be keen in transacting with these recruiters and always double-check their licenses and accreditations,” he added.

The BI Commissioner further warned recruiters who falsify documents to deceive BI personnel.

“You are in full violation of the law and this is punishable under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” he said.

The two victims were immediately turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance and further investigation. (BI)