AirAsia Philippines has joined forces with the Bureau of Immigration, Manila International Airport, and the Philippine National Police in anticipation of the upcoming peak holiday season to ensure the highest levels of safety and wellbeing for all guests.
The collaboration is a partnership with key industry stakeholders to strengthen security at the country’s primary gateways, especially when it comes to important issues such as human trafficking during the busy travel period.
Hundreds of AirAsia Allstars including ground staff, security and flight crew have received specialized training to spot, profile, and provide assistance to trafficking victims.
This initiative aims to support government authorities in closely monitoring the growing numbers reported by the Bureau of Immigration which, as of September this year, include approximately 700 intercepted human trafficking victims.
AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs & First Officer Steve Dailisan said “The comfort and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Our strong collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders through proper reporting channels and robust safety/security management systems contribute to protecting Filipinos when they choose to fly with AirAsia.”
This proactive approach, in conjunction with the Bureau of Immigration was recently put into action in alignment with AirAsia’s strict procedures when a potential trafficking incident occurred and was intercepted.
“As many Filipinos prepare for the end of year holiday travel, traffickers may try to use this time to pass victims off as tourists. Our highly trained Allstars (employees) stay vigilant against trafficking networks that might exploit this season’s excitement, working closely with authorities to ensure our travelers’ safety in order to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation,” Dailisan expressed.
As the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, AirAsia Philippines is dedicated to ensuring that travel is safe and affordable for all passengers through active collaboration with government agencies to ensure the highest standards of operational integrity at all times.
With the holiday travel season fast approaching, AirAsia urges all travelers to stay informed and vigilant, encouraging passengers to report any suspicious activity to help maintain a secure travel environment.
Safety Advice for Passengers to Avoid Trafficking Schemes
To help travelers protect themselves from trafficking schemes while traveling abroad, please find below some essential tips:
-
Be Wary of Suspicious Job Offers and Visa Requirements: If a recruiter suggests using a tourist visa for employment, be cautious. Legitimate job opportunities typically require proper work permits and documentation. A tourist visa does not authorize employment.
-
Verify Overseas Job Offers and Recruitment Agencies: Before accepting a job offer abroad, research thoroughly. Confirm that the recruitment agency is registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and accredited to deploy workers for overseas positions.
