The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a woman for illegally recruiting people to work overseas and for alleged human trafficking.

The suspect was identified as Priscilla Sunga Tabilog and was arrested during the operation carried out by the NBI-International Airport Investigation Division (NBI-IAID) following a directive from NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago to intensify monitoring at airport borders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

This arrest stemmed from a recommendation by the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), after identifying three Filipino travelers—two victims and one suspect—who were scheduled to fly to Thailand aboard Scoot Flight No. TR 397 under the false guise of missionary purposes.

According to the bureau, the passengers presented various documents from the Alliance of Bishops, Ministers, and Educators International Inc., an organization founded and led by Tabilog. Immigration officers at NAIA intercepted the individuals and referred them to NAIA-IACAT for further investigation.

Two victims were misrepresented as missionary volunteers traveling with Tabilog to Thailand, but later revealed they were promised teaching jobs abroad, with Tabilog facilitating their travel arrangements.

After a verification process, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that Tabilog is not licensed or authorized to recruit workers for work abroad.

Tabilog was subjected to online inquest proceedings, advised of her constitutional rights, and detained for illegal activities.

Authorities will continue to investigate the case to determine whether more individuals were victimized by the suspect’s illegal recruitment scheme.

NBI Director Santiago warned the public to be vigilant against unauthorized recruitment agencies and urged job seekers to verify the legitimacy of recruitment firms before applying for overseas employment.