Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) — The anti-human trafficking offices in the Philippines’ main airport are on lockdown until July 22 after four employees tested positive for COVID-19.
The offices of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFAT) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) located in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 were placed on a two-week lockdown starting July 8 to undergo disinfection.
The Department of Justice confirmed on Thursday that this order came after four NAIATFAT employees tested positive for COVID-19 through swab tests taken on July 2. All its personnel were told to undergo strict self-quarantine.
DOJ spokesperson Markk Perete said that although the offices will remain closed, the existing protocols to detect trafficking situations remain in place.
“Under these protocols, passengers suspected of being trafficked will still be referred to strict secondary inspection by the BI (Bureau of Immigration). The IACAT Office meanwhile remains open to receive reports of trafficking situations through their hotlines and even on social media and to act on them accordingly,” he said in a message.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal on Wednesday said there are 24 COVID-infected NAIA workers, excluding personnel from the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration.
CNN Philippines justice correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.
