Filipinos tricked into working in Myanmar’s scam hubs must pay a “ransom” to their employers to obtain their freedom so they can return home to the Philippines, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said this was one of the ways illegal recruiters exercised control over the workers, especially if they complained about their harsh working conditions. The workers are subjected to physical punishment, such as being forced to stand under the scorching sun for hours when they fail to meet their quotas.

“The last batch of repatriated workers said that when they struggled against or complained about being overworked and underpaid, they were made to stand under the sun every day until they complied. On top of that, they were told to pay their own fares,” Cacdac said in a televised interview on Tuesday.

Most of the victims were recruited through social media platforms, where they were offered jobs, visa free, as customer sales representatives. Initially, their travel expenses were covered by the recruiters, a practice Cacdac highlighted was a red flag of illegal recruitment.

“That’s a clear indicator of illegal recruitment. We need to closely monitor that because the free fare is later used against them. They are told, ‘You’re complaining, but you’re the one in debt.’ It all gets turned around on them,” Cacdac said.

He said there were still several Filipinos waiting for repatriation in government shelters in Myawaddy, a town near Myanmar’s border with Thailand. Following the earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, Cacdac said around six Filipinos in the government shelters were safe.

Cacdac said that some workers, despite being victims of trafficking, were hesitant to return to the Philippines. The DMW is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the repatriation of these individuals.

In the past month alone, over 200 Filipino workers who were forced to work in scam hubs were repatriated. Three individuals involved in their illegal recruitment have been arrested. The DMW is in contact with Filipinos affected by the earthquake in Mandalay and is providing financial and other assistance to them.

The situation highlights the risks Filipino workers face due to illegal recruiters who prey on vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.