By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Alert Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel foiled over the weekend an attempt to sneak through the Clark International Airport in Angeles City and Mabalacat, Pampanga three women who posed as singers bound for South Korea and were promised P40,000 monthly salary each.

In a statement on Monday (11 March 2024), the BI said the three victims and another woman attempted to fly to Thailand posing as a group of friends at the Clark International Airport.

But on secondary inspection, the three victims admitted that they were bound for South Korea as singers with a P40,000 monthly salary each.

They claimed that they were accompanied by their recruiter, who insisted that they pose as tourists and hide their destination despite their requests for a legal employment process.

The BI revealed the recruiter planned to escort the victims to South Korea before returning to the Philippines alone.

“There are numerous cases documented wherein victims are promised work as entertainers, but end up in prostitution. Aspiring workers should also protect themselves by ensuring that they only apply work through legal means,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco lamented.

He said the victims have now been referred to the CIA Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) which is set to file charges against their recruiter whose identity was withheld for the meantime.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — The Philippines pledges to uphold its ongoing efforts in route development following Clark International Airport’s (CRK) triumph at the 2024 Routes Asia awards.

CRK secured victory in the Under 5 Million Passengers Category, a testament to its effective airport and destination marketing strategies.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, also serving as the Civil Aeronautics Board vice chairperson, emphasized the significance of this win, highlighting the Marcos administration’s dedication to excellence in route development marketing.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence in route development marketing under the Marcos administration,” remarked Secretary Frasco. “It is a reflection of the collaborative efforts within the travel and air transport sector and the resilience displayed by CRK, showcasing its substantial growth and positive influence on the aviation and tourism sectors.”

The Department of Tourism, in tandem with the Department of Transportation and other stakeholders, has been proactive in enhancing connectivity throughout the nation. One of its primary initiatives under the Marcos administration has been advocating for the optimal utilization of the country’s regional gateways, including Clark.

Secretary Frasco further emphasized, “This recognition not only celebrates Clark International Airport’s success but also acknowledges the collective contributions of the travel and tourism industry and the unwavering backing from the aviation community.”

In 2023, CRK witnessed a notable surge, handling nearly 2 million passengers, marking a remarkable 160 percent increase from the previous year. The airport continues to serve crucial domestic routes, connecting travelers to prime destinations such as Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay.

(By el Amigo/MNM)