MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has cautioned the public against a disturbing rise in cases where Filipino men are being recruited online to work as soldiers in other countries.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado described the situation as alarming, noting that victims are often deceived into accepting dangerous assignments under false pretenses.
“Filipinos are being enticed into joining armed groups abroad without full knowledge of the risks. These offers, often spread through social media, can endanger lives. We strongly advise the public to remain vigilant,” Viado said.
Authorities reported multiple interceptions in recent weeks. On March 31, a 52-year-old man was stopped at NAIA Terminal 3 after claiming he was visiting a friend overseas. Due to inconsistencies in his statements, he was subjected to further questioning.
He later admitted that he had been recruited via Facebook to join a foreign military force. He was instructed to travel as a tourist and was promised a salary of USD 2,500 per month plus a USD 25,000 bonus.
On April 1, two more individuals, aged 38 and 39, were prevented from boarding a flight to Bangkok at Clark International Airport. Initially presenting themselves as tourists, they eventually disclosed they were recruited online for similar roles, with offers of USD 1,500 in monthly pay and a USD 30,000 incentive.
They said recruiters contacted them through Facebook and continued communication through WhatsApp, instructing them to go to Thailand and wait for further deployment instructions.
Subsequent operations led to the interception of two men aged 49 and 50 at NAIA Terminal 3 on April 5, who planned to pass through Ethiopia. Another 51-year-old man was stopped on April 12 at NAIA Terminal 1 while attempting to travel via China for the same purpose.
The BI emphasized that these actions support the government’s ongoing campaign under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to curb illegal recruitment and human trafficking activities.
ia/xf
