Authorities have arrested a Japanese man and a Filipina at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in connection with alleged human trafficking and large-scale illegal recruitment.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the arrest of Tomita Takayuki and Maria Zenaida Callos Otani on May 9, following a joint operation by DMW operatives and the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking. The two were reportedly caught attempting to facilitate the departure of 13 Filipinos who were promised factory jobs in Japan.
Investigators revealed that the suspects were operating under a bogus agency named Winkbayside Manpower Services. The victims were offered factory positions under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program with a supposed monthly salary of JPY200,000 (approximately PHP 75,276). However, further investigation showed they would only receive JPY120,000 (about PHP 41,165) and would be sent to multiple employers using false identities.
The DMW has urged other individuals who may have fallen victim to the scheme to come forward and seek assistance in filing charges against the suspects.
