222 Pinoys seek rescue from Myanmar scam hubs

222 Pinoys seek rescue from Myanmar scam hubs | Daily Tribune

More than 200 Filipinos trapped in scam hubs in Myanmar have sought government assistance for repatriation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday, 27 October.

The DFA said in a statement that as of 24 October, the Philippine Embassy in Yangon has received 222 active requests for repatriation from Filipinos affected by illegal online scam operations in Myawaddy, following law enforcement raids on 20 October.

Of the total number, 66 individuals have reportedly crossed into Thailand, while nine others have reached Yangon and are under the custody of the Philippine Embassy.

The DFA said the embassy continues to coordinate with Myanmar authorities to finalize deportation procedures for those being held in temporary shelters and to rescue remaining Filipinos still trapped in scam compounds.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and other relevant agencies, remains committed to the safe repatriation of affected Filipinos through established government-to-government channels,” the statement read.

The DFA also said it is working with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to expedite the process of returning the stranded Filipinos to the Philippines.

Filipinos working in the scam hubs were reportedly lured by fraudulent job offers promising high salaries in customer service or information technology but were instead forced into online scamming operations run by criminal syndicates in border areas such as Myawaddy.

Many victims have reported being subjected to forced labor, long working hours, and physical abuse.

The DFA reminded Filipinos to remain vigilant against illegal recruitment and employment scams abroad that may lead to human trafficking. It urged those with relatives in Myanmar to contact the Philippine Embassy in Yangon for assistance through its hotlines (+959985210993, +959985210998, +959409883434 via Viber, +959985210996) or email at yangonpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.

In previous months, the Bureau of Immigration has reported several cases of repatriated Filipinos trafficked to work in similar online scam operations in neighboring countries.

In May, the United Nations raised alarm over what it described as a “humanitarian and human rights crisis” involving thousands of foreign nationals coerced into cybercrime operations in the region.

UN experts urged countries of origin, including the Philippines, to intensify rescue and reintegration efforts and to go beyond awareness campaigns in addressing the root causes of trafficking and forced labor.

The DFA said it remains focused on ensuring the safe return and protection of all affected Filipinos as part of the government’s broader campaign against human trafficking and overseas labor exploitation.