Over 200 Filipinos in Myanmar scam hubs seek repatriation

More than 200 Filipinos recruited to work in various scam hubs in Myanmar have sought the Philippine government’s assistance to return home, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday.

In a statement, the DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Yangon is closely monitoring the situation in Myawaddy, Myanmar, where law enforcement authorities recently conducted operations in scam compounds on 20 October.

As of 24 October, the embassy has received 222 active requests for repatriation assistance from Filipinos trapped in scam hubs. Of these, 66 individuals have reportedly crossed into Thailand, while nine others have reached Yangon and are currently under the embassy’s custody.

The DFA said it is working with Myanmar authorities to finalize deportation procedures for those being held in temporary camps and to rescue remaining Filipinos still trapped inside scam compounds.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant agencies, remains committed to the safe repatriation of affected Filipinos through established government-to-government (G2G) channels,” the statement read.

The DFA added that it continues to coordinate with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to expedite the repatriation process.

Filipinos working in scam hubs were often lured by fraudulent job offers promising high salaries in customer service or information technology and have been subjected to forced labor and abuse by criminal syndicates operating in border areas such as Myawaddy.

The DFA urged Filipinos in Myanmar scam hubs, as well as their families in the Philippines, to contact the Philippine Embassy in Yangon for assistance through its hotlines (+959985210993, +959985210998, +959409883434 via Viber, +959985210996) or via email at yangonpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.

The DFA reiterated its warning against illegal recruitment and employment offers abroad that could lead to trafficking and exploitation, urging Filipinos to verify job opportunities through legitimate channels before leaving the country.