A new batch of repatriates who left the Philippines via a small boat in Palawan and were forced to work as bar girls in Malaysia has returned home.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that the three Filipinas, who were transported to Malaysia through illegal marine routes and forced into becoming sex workers, were successfully repatriated.

Authorities said the repatriated Filipinas, ages 30 to 32, recently arrived at the Port of Zamboanga from Sandakan, Sabah, aboard MV Antonia.

Preliminary inquiry indicated that they were recruited via social media and promised waitress jobs in Malaysia with an alleged monthly salary of P40,000 to P60,000. However, upon their arrival, they were forced to work as guest relations officers at a bar.

Two of the victims left the Philippines in November 2024 via the “backdoor,” or illegal and irregular migratory corridor.

To avoid formal ports’ immigration processes, they traveled from Palawan to Malaysia via small boats, then transferred to medium-sized vessels.

Upon reaching Sabah, they were taken to a bar-restaurant, where they were later apprehended by Malaysian authorities for working without proper documentation. They were detained for five months before being deported and reunited with Philippine authorities.