More than 100 Filipinos trapped in scam hubs in Myanmar are set to be repatriated early next week or within the month, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo de Vega.

During a Senate hearing on 18 March, De Vega stated that approximately 187 Filipinos would be allowed to cross the Myanmar-Thailand border, after which they will either board a chartered flight from Mae Sot or travel by land to Bangkok for their return to the Philippines. Thailand has required that once the victims enter the country, they must be taken out within 24 hours.

He also explained the repatriation process, emphasizing the need for coordination between Myanmar and Thailand.

“There is a process between Myanmar and Thailand, meaning they are in Myanmar, and then they will be brought across the Friendship Bridge to Mae Sot. Both governments need to coordinate on the specific dates and times,” De Vega said.

Crossing the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge follows a nationality-based schedule. Filipinos and other Southeast Asians are permitted to cross on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Chinese nationals — who form a large group of trafficking victims — are scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

“If you remember the Gaza repatriation, not all repatriates could leave at the same time. What we’re doing now is essentially competing with other countries because there are thousands of trafficking victims,” De Vega explained.

By mid-year, scam hubs in Myanmar may face total shutdown after Thailand cut electricity supply to border areas to combat illegal operations.

De Vega also revealed that about 62 Filipinos remain trapped in scam compounds and warned Filipinos against accepting overseas job offers that do not pass through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Meanwhile, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed on Tuesday that the agency is closely coordinating with the DFA regarding the trafficking victims. He added that repatriated victims, regardless of gender, may transition into care work upon returning to the Philippines.

To strengthen assistance for migrant workers, the DMW is also proposing to establish formal Migrant Workers Offices in key ASEAN countries to support Philippine embassies and diplomatic posts in handling repatriation and reintegration efforts.