12 trafficked Filipinos repatriated, receive government aid

On Wednesday, February 19, the Philippines repatriated twelve Filipinos who were trafficked to Myanmar and forced into online scam operations under exploitative conditions.

Upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday, February 20, they received immediate assistance including psychosocial services, financial aid, and legal support from a whole-of-government team led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other agencies.

The victims were initially recruited through Facebook by a Filipino offering jobs as customer sales representatives but endured physical abuse such as beatings with PVC sticks, electric shocks, and forced to perform degrading acts like duck walking, frog walking, jumping, and squatting for hours.

When they attempted to leave, their employer demanded $15,000 which they could not afford, forcing them to seek refuge with the Myanmar military before being released near the Thai border at Phop Phraas.

The DMW warns jobseekers about dubious social media job offers and reiterates the need for verification through official channels on their website. Additionally, the Bureau of Immigration has warned that illegal gambling syndicates are now recruiting Filipinos to work in scam hubs abroad.

The repatriation was made possible through joint efforts of the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office in Bangkok, along with assistance from various government agencies including the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Passengers are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in their statements to uphold the safety and security of all travelers.