Following the directive of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) to strengthen efforts against human trafficking and illegal recruitment, agents from the NBI–International Airport Investigation Division (NBI-IAID) apprehended Anamae Cristina Ynot Liga and Danica Ann Alejo Bernardo at NAIA Terminal 1. The two were charged with violating R.A. No. 8042 (the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995), as amended by R.A. No. 10022, and R.A. No. 9208 (the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended.
On March 5, 2025, the NAIA Taskforce Against Trafficking – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (NAIATFAT-IACAT) endorsed a case to NBI-IAID involving six passengers who were prevented from leaving the country by the Bureau of Immigration. Upon investigation, agents discovered that the passengers were initially traveling to Singapore for a company incentive tour. However, during the Immigration Inspection process, four of them admitted that their actual intention was to seek employment as performers. They also disclosed that their companions, Liga and Bernardo, were escorting them.
Further inquiries revealed that the four passengers had previously worked overseas as performing artists in Singapore, Japan, and Dubai. They stated that their recruiter, known as “Sir M,” invited them to a restaurant in Malate, Manila, co-owned by Liga and Bernardo. During the meeting, Sir M assured them that all travel expenses would be covered and that they would have no issues during the Immigration Inspection. On March 3, 2025, the recruits met with Sir M again in Muntinlupa City, where they were informed that they would depart for Singapore the following day.
A Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) verification confirmed that Liga and Bernardo were not licensed or authorized to recruit individuals for overseas employment.
On March 6, 2025, the suspects were brought before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Pasay City for inquest proceedings. Director Santiago commended the NBI-IAID agents for their successful operation and urged the public to be cautious when considering overseas job offers.
