IACAT leads repatriation of 222 trafficked Filipinos from Myanmar

Member agencies of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) have been mobilized to assist in the repatriation of 222 Filipinos from Myanmar who were reportedly victims of human trafficking, while also initiating investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The council said the repatriation efforts are being led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, in coordination with authorities in Myanmar and Thailand. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have also deployed an augmentation team to provide direct assistance on the ground.

IACAT assured that all repatriated victims will receive legal, psychosocial, and financial assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which co-chairs the council.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), together with IACAT law enforcement units, will pursue investigations and prosecute those behind the trafficking schemes.

The agency noted that several cases have already been filed against illegal recruiters and traffickers involved in online scamming and trafficking operations in the region.

Authorities recently arrested two Taiwanese nationals in September 2025 for allegedly recruiting Filipinos to work in online scam hubs abroad. They face charges of illegal recruitment and human trafficking under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Five victims were rescued after being recruited for fake “customer service representative” jobs with promised salaries of up to $1,000. Investigations revealed that the jobs were linked to cyber fraud operations across Southeast Asia.

In a separate operation, 13 Filipinos were prevented from being trafficked to alleged cryptocurrency scam hubs through a backdoor exit in Palawan, leading to the arrest of four suspected recruiters.

Justice Undersecretary and IACAT Chairperson Nicholas Felix L. Ty said the government continues to strengthen its coordination with Southeast Asian counterparts to combat human trafficking through regional dialogue, cooperation, and information-sharing.

“Southeast Asian nations are not only linked by our geographic proximity but by our shared culture and values. Through our efforts and linkages, we hope to find common ground and concrete solutions to the grave exploitation of human rights and dignity,” Ty said.

IACAT reminded the public to be vigilant against suspicious overseas job offers, especially those involving online recruitment from unverified companies or individuals.

The council also warned that it will continue to investigate, prosecute, and bring traffickers and illegal recruiters to justice.