MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday renewed its warning against overseas job offers linked to Russia after intercepting another Filipino who was allegedly recruited for a security-related job in that country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued the warning following the interception of a 50-year-old man at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport while attempting to depart on a Cathay Pacific flight to Vietnam on October 10, 2026.
The BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section said the passenger disclosed during questioning that Russia was his work destination and that he had been recruited as a K9 handler.
Further questioning revealed that the passenger had been contacted through WhatsApp and had spoken with the recruiter through a voice call before receiving his travel documents. He was reportedly offered a monthly salary of $3,500, with no upfront fees, but was instructed to pose as a tourist to conceal his intended employment.
The passenger was referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance.
Viado urged the public to be vigilant against suspicious job offers, particularly those that require applicants to misrepresent their purpose of travel.
“Human trafficking can begin with what appears to be a legitimate job opportunity. Filipinos must remain alert to deception recruitment tactics,” Viado said.
