Manila, March 27 -- The Bureau of Immigration's (BI) decision to relieve personnel suspected of facilitating the trafficking of Filipinos was lauded by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, calling it a positive step in the government's fight against transnational crime.

"The BI's move shows resolve in addressing human trafficking. The alarming rise in cases involving Filipinos seeking jobs abroad demands an urgent and unified government response," Gatchalian said in a statement.

He called on the BI to strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks running scam hubs in other countries.

He also emphasized the need for a stronger crackdown on corruption and the rollout of an aggressive public awareness cam...