4 women victims of trafficking when artists return

Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) reported the arrival of Filipino deportees from South Korea.

The BI Immigration Protection and Border Control Section reported to Commissioner Norman Tansingco that the four deportees were Filipinos who arrived in the country at MCIA via a Jeju Air flight from South Korea. They were deported after being detained for working illegally as entertainers without the necessary work visa in that region.

The victims claim a Filipino duped them into meeting a Korean national who would process their documents.

“I was offered a job as an artist and asked to meet a Korean to meet the necessary requirements,” the victim described.

Investigation revealed that the victims were able to communicate with their recruiters using the smartphone app Telegram, who promised them work as bar entertainers with a monthly salary of P80,000 until expiration of their 59-day tourist visa.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco explained that due to their situation, they overstayed their visas and were detained by Korean authorities.

“When we arrived in Korea, we spent two weeks working as animators. Our Thai compatriot, who has a Korean partner, denounced us. Then we were detained for about a week,” said one victim.

The BI chief also said that these women were exploited and ended up being detained without receiving their due wages, all because of misleading assurances.

Tansingco added that they remind the public to always be wary, as these deceptive recruiters paint a rosy picture of hope but often leave them in despair. If something doesn't feel right or seems too good to be true, trust your instincts.