02/06/2026
CIDG AND PAOCC CAPTURE ACCUSED FOR ALLEGED TRAFFICKING OF VICTIM FROM BENGUET TO CAMBODIA
On May 31, 2026 at around 5:02 AM, the CIDG Benguet Provincial Field Unit together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and PNP Aviation Security Group, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Bureau of Immigration (BI), arrested a male accused at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, Pasay City by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for violation of Republic Act No. 9208 as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 (Qualified Trafficking in Persons) issued by La Trinidad, Benguet court on April 21, 2026, with no recommended bail.
A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the Director of CIDG stated that the arrested accused “John”, male, 28 years old, married, a resident of Los Baños, Laguna, is listed as the Number 1 Regional Most Wanted Person of Police Regional Office Cordillera. He was arrested upon his arrival in the airport, fresh from his flight from Cambodia.
As backgrounder, from November 25, 2025 and succeeding days in Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, “John” together with three co-accused, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the victim- who was then unemployed, by means of fraud and deception and a promise of PhP 70,000.00 and other benefits, allegedly recruited and transported the victim to Cambodia to work as casino dealer.
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on January 5, 2026, the victim’s passport was confiscated and his communication was restricted. He was exploited and subjected to force labor, the supposed employment as casino dealer, was actually inside a scam hub doing illegal online operations targeting Filipinos - sending love, investment, cryptocurrency scams, and phishing activities aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
On January 11, 2026, the victim managed to escape from the hub and sought assistance from the Philippine Embassy at Phnom Penh, Cambodia where he was assisted and provided temporary shelter. He was subsequently repatriated on January 23, 2026.
In February 2026, he reported the incident to CIDG Benguet Provincial Field Unit, subsequently, a criminal complaint for Republic Act No. 9208 as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 (Qualified Trafficking in Persons) was charged against four suspects before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of La Trinidad, Benguet. On April 21, 2026, the court issued a Warrant of Arrest against the suspects.
The CIDG leadership commends PLTCOL Brendon B Palisoc, the Officer-in-Charge of Regional Field Unit 14 and the CIDG Benguet Provincial Field Unit led by PLTCOL Loyd D Oribillo, and the joint government agencies - Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the successful arrest of the fugitive - accused of Qualified Trafficking in Persons. The strategic arrest stands as undeniable proof of the government's operational harmony and its absolute refusal to let traffickers exploit the hopes of the Filipino people.
The airtight complaint filed, strategic coordination, tireless surveillance, and swift action demonstrated by CIDG Benguet Provincial Unit underscores the CIDG’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens from all forms of criminality especially trafficking in persons. By taking the perpetrator off the streets, the CIDG has not only vindicated the victim but also prevented the potential exploitation of many other unsuspecting Kababayans.
The CIDG Benguet did not stop in the filing of charges, it monitored the case, coordinated with other government agencies, and grabbed the accused upon sight.
The CIDG assures the public that it remains resolute in its mission to eliminate human trafficking, smash illegal recruitment rings, and hunt down fugitives in every corner of this country.
