DMW, DFA intensify rescue for Filipinos in SEA scam centers

The Philippine government, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is intensifying rescue and repatriation efforts for Filipinos stranded in scam centers across Southeast Asia.

As of July 7, 118 Filipinos required repatriation from four countries: 75 in Myanmar, 30 in Thailand, 7 in Laos, and 6 in Cambodia.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega stated that nearly 100 Filipinos are believed to be stranded in scam farms, particularly in border areas between Thailand and Myanmar, including Laos and Cambodia.

The DFA has responded to 480 trafficking-related assistance-to-nationals cases in the region from January 1 to July 15, 2025.

Scam centers lure job seekers with fake offers, then hold them captive to run online scams, with even professionals falling victim.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac urged Filipinos seeking foreign employment to follow the proper procedures and contact the DMW when in doubt.