9 Filipino scam victims rescued in Laos return to PH

Nine Filipino workers rescued from alleged scam syndicates in Laos arrived back in the Philippines on Sunday, August 25.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) vowed assistance to the victims of suspected human trafficking, who were promised customer service jobs in Thailand but were forced to work as scammers in Laos.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met the victims at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and assured them of "full government assistance as they seek justice and rebuild their lives."

The Filipinos were rescued from the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos' Bokeo province through efforts by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.

A total of 73 Filipinos have been rescued from Laos, and they are expected to receive financial, psychosocial, and legal assistance from the government.

The DMW will coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to identify and file charges against recruiters in the Philippines.

The DMW is also working with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) due to the absence of a migrant workers office in Laos.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has been investigating similar incidents of Filipinos being trafficked to other Southeast Asian countries since 2022.