206 Filipino trafficking victims repatriated from Myanmar

A total of 206 Filipino victims of human trafficking, rescued from scam hubs in Myanmar, returned to the Philippines this week, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Government officials including representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), DFA, DOJ, Bureau of Immigration (BI), DOH, DSWD, and OWWA met with survivors immediately upon their arrival to provide necessary assistance such as psychosocial services, legal aid, financial support, medical check-ups, food, temporary shelter, and transportation.

Each survivor received P60,000 in financial assistance from the DMW and OWWA.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) repatriated 176 Filipinos on Wednesday as part of a larger rescue operation involving coordination with Philippine, Myanmar, and Thai authorities.

Among those rescued was 'Rose', who recounted being smuggled into Myanmar via Hong Kong and Bangkok, where she and her husband were tortured, deprived of food, and separated by their captors.

The BI has suspended seven immigration officers involved in facilitating the illegal departure of trafficking victims to Myanmar, while the DOJ proceeds with investigations to ensure justice for the victims.

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio urged Filipinos to be cautious when seeking job opportunities abroad, emphasizing that many remain trapped in scam hubs across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.