The scourge of human trafficking

HUMAN trafficking is big money. It is a worldwide scourge. Despite Herculean efforts of government, it is able to grow and prosper. It has managed to elude the long arms of the law. Crime syndicates take advantage of humanity’s dire condition and offer those who are in need tickets – physically and metaphorically – as a way out of their dismal state.

Promises of a good life in other climes and offer of bogus passports and documentations in exchange for cash, plenty of cash, have lured many to take the bait. Many have come to regret it. But more often than not, it is too late.

The sad thing is that due to their terrible state, many would-be victims are themselves contributors to the proliferation of these human vultures. Although aware that they are bargaining with the devils, these victims willingly part with whatever cash they have managed to scrounge.

The poor usually sell their family’s possessions; a parcel of land, a cow or any domesticated animal that would command a good price, a family heirloom – just to get their desperate hands on those precious travel documents.

Some are distressed citizens of other forlorn lands hoping against hope that somehow, they would be able to go through the dragnets. At the back of their feverish minds, they imagine they will end up with a cozy job, or a welcoming home of some good Samaritans, or if their imagination are given free rein, a walk down the aisle having hooked a local groom or bride.

But the odds are always against them.

In a span of two weeks, the Bureau of Immigration personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have foiled attempts by foreign nationals to fly to the United Kingdom, using Manila as a jumped-off point.

The five tourists came from highrisk countries. All were going to the United Kingdom when arrested at the airport.

Bureau of Immigration officials said the suspects could be either perpetrators or victims of international human smuggling ring.

This is an alarming development, according Bureau of Immigration officials, noting that they all arrive at our premier airport in a span of two weeks.