17 Filipinos repatriated from Malaysia after suspected human trafficking

Seventeen Filipinos, believed to be victims of human trafficking, have been repatriated to the Philippines on October 25 after being deported from Malaysia.

The victims admitted to exiting the country through an illegal migration corridor in Jolo, Sulu, with some recruited in 2023 and entering Malaysia in 2022 and 2024.

One family of four, including parents and two sons, was promised jobs in a palm oil company by an illegal recruiter offering a monthly salary of 2,000 Malaysian Ringgit.

They reportedly suffered abuses from their employer, leading them to seek help from Philippine authorities.

Other victims paid significant amounts to enter Malaysia illegally and were forced to jump into the water to avoid detection, with some detained for five months before deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Viado called for stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies, LGUs, and communities to tighten security and prevent further abuse.