Three Filipina trafficking victims were intercepted and rescued at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

"Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) have intercepted three Filipina workers posing as tourists bound for Vietnam," BI said in a press release.

According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, the three victims, whose names are withheld for their protection, attempted to board a Royal Air flight to Hong Kong on Dec.2.

It said that the intercepted victims initially presented themselves on primary inspection as tourists embarking on a four-day trip to Hong Kong.

The victims later admitted that they were slated to undergo a hiring process for a company that was referred to them by an acquaintance, concealing their onward ticket to Vietnam.

The three victims were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance and further investigation.

“It is crucial for aspiring overseas workers to undergo the right processes, secure the appropriate documents, and be cautious of schemes that exploit their vulnerability,” Tansingco said.

“Remain vigilant and always seek the help of authorized agencies, especially amid the influx of international passengers who will be vacationing during the holidays,” he added.