Japanese National and Filipina Arrested for Human Trafficking at NAIA

A Japanese national and a Filipina were arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in the Philippines on May 15, 2025, for human trafficking and illegal recruitment. Authorities reported that the suspects, identified as Tomita Takayuko and Maria Zenayda Callos, used a fraudulent manpower agency to send victims to Japan under the guise of a technical intern training program. According to investigators, "They used fake documents and promised high salaries to lure victims," said a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The suspects allegedly charged ₱30,000 per victim. The victims were unaware of the true nature of the employment they were promised until they arrived in Japan. This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and illegal recruitment in the Philippines. The arrest of Tomita and Callos underscores the need for increased vigilance and stronger measures to combat these crimes. The NBI is continuing its investigation to identify any other individuals involved in this trafficking ring.