30 Filipino human trafficking victims repatriated from Myanmar- DMW

Metro Manila, Philippines - Thirty Filipino victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking in Myanmar have been safely repatriated and receiving government assistance, the Department of Migrant Workers Department said on Tuesday, March 25.

The group arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City. THey received immediate support, including psychosocial services, financial aid, and legal assistance, the agency said.

Each repatriated worker was given P60,000.

"Aside from financial support, one of the most crucial aspects is the legal assistance we will provide them," said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

The victims will be referred to reintegration programs, including upskilling and livelihood training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Meanwhile, the DMW said it is preparing for the arrival of another 176 Filipino victims on a chartered flight on March 26.

Cacdac said the Foreign Affairs Department leads rescue operations and efforts to investigate syndicates behind human trafficking and illegal offshore gaming-related scam hubs.

“These investigations are being conducted with the support of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, DOJ (Department of Justice), and the Philippine National Police (PNP),” he added.

The victims were lured through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram, with false promises of employment as customer service representatives in Myanmar. Instead, they were forced into online scamming activities, the DMW said.