Over 200 scam hub victims seek rescue

Over 200 Filipinos trapped in scam hubs in Myanmar have sought assistance for repatriation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Sunday.

In a statement, the DFA said 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 in the area.

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

The embassy said it is coordinating with Myanmar authorities to process deportation procedures for those rescued and to facilitate the release of Filipinos still trapped inside scam compounds.

It added that it is working with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other concerned agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims through a government-to-government channel.

In recent months, the Bureau of Immigration has continuously reported the repatriation of Filipinos trafficked to work in online scam operations. Victims were often lured by job offers promising high salaries as customer service representatives but were later forced to work long hours as scammers with strict quotas and no rest upon arrival.

In May, the United Nations expressed alarm over the situation, describing it as a “humanitarian and human rights crisis.” UN experts urged countries of origin of trafficked workers to provide swift and substantial efforts that go beyond surface-level public awareness campaigns.