Philippine immigration authorities have warned people seeking jobs abroad to scrutinise offers that require them to travel as tourists, after officers stopped a 50-year-old Filipino man allegedly recruited for a security-related role in Russia.

The man was intercepted at Mactan-Cebu International Airport on October 10 as he prepared to fly to Vietnam, the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration said on Sunday, October 25. Although Vietnam was his immediate destination, he reportedly told officers during questioning that he was ultimately expected to work in Russia.

According to GMA News, the man said he had been offered employment as a K9 handler. Authorities said a recruiter contacted him through WhatsApp and arranged his travel documents.

The reported offer included a monthly salary of $3,500 and no upfront payment. However, the man was allegedly told to declare himself a tourist rather than disclose his employment plans to immigration officers.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said applicants should be especially careful when a recruiter tells them to conceal the true purpose of an overseas trip or misrepresent it at border controls.

“Human trafficking can begin with what appears to be a legitimate job opportunity. Filipinos must remain alert to deceptive recruitment tactics and seek assistance from the proper authorities when an offer raises suspicion,” Viado said.

The Bureau of Immigration advised prospective overseas workers to verify employment offers with the Department of Migrant Workers. It also said travellers should make sure they have the required documents and work authorisation before departing the Philippines.