Two Filipino women trafficked to Cambodia for scams repatriated

Two Filipino women who were trafficked to Cambodia and forced into an online scam operation have been repatriated after their mothers sought help from the embassy and local organizations.

One victim left for Cambodia in January with a job offer as a customer service representative, while the other arrived on March 6 expecting free time but was immediately alarmed by her surroundings.

Both victims were subjected to physical abuse and threats during their captivity; one was arrested upon arrival, and another faced beatings and gunpoint when they tried to escape.

The mothers of the victims are now seeking justice and calling for better government action to prevent such incidents, emphasizing the need for more support from embassies and local organizations.

Migrante International and the United Methodist Church have offered assistance in filing cases against those involved in trafficking and scam operations.

Despite being treated as criminals initially, both women were eventually rescued by embassy officials and repatriated on April 20 along with eight other victims.