Recruiter arrested posing as OFW rescued from Myanmar scam hub

A Filipino recruiter, posing as a victim, was arrested after joining a batch of 12 repatriates rescued from scam hubs in Myanmar.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed the recruiter's arrest, stating the individual pretended to be a distressed worker.

In February, 12 Filipinos were repatriated after being rescued from illegal recruitment and human trafficking operations in Myanmar.

These victims were recruited via Facebook with promises of customer service jobs but were instead forced into online scamming, subjected to torture, beatings, and electrocution.

The DFA and DMW, with aid from Myanmar and Thai authorities, facilitated the rescue and repatriation of a total of 206 OFWs.

The latest repatriates flew back to the Philippines on two different flights via Thailand on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Upon arrival, repatriates receive reintegration assistance from the Philippine government, including PHP50,000 cash aid from the DMW on top of USD200 cash given by the DFA while they were in Thailand.

The DFA warns Filipinos to be vigilant against human trafficking disguised as job offers that are too good to be true.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega stated that it is impossible to work in Southeast Asia without a work visa, cautioning against offers that only require one to show up.

The DOH provided medical and psychological assistance to the repatriates, and the DOJ assured that they will not face punishment, while the BI is investigating facilitators of illegal exits.