Philippine authorities facilitated the safe repatriation of several Filipino victims of human trafficking who arrived in the country on 17 January aboard MV Antonia from Malaysia, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Wednesday.

The returnees, mostly women aged 23 to 32, were identified as trafficking victims after being deceived by false promises of legitimate employment abroad. Authorities said some were recruited online or offered supposed call center and service-related jobs, only to face exploitative conditions upon arrival.

Several of the victims reportedly traveled through irregular migration routes, including passages through Palawan and Mindanao en route to Malaysia.

Upon interception by Malaysian authorities, some were detained for immigration violations and spent months in jail before being deported to the Philippines.

Others were recruited for jobs allegedly in call centers and service establishments in neighboring countries, which later turned out to be fraudulent or exploitative.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the government remains firm in its resolve to protect Filipinos from traffickers who exploit desperation and false hope.

“Traffickers take advantage of vulnerable Filipinos, lure them with fake jobs, and abandon them once they are trapped overseas. This administration will not tolerate that,” Viado said.

“They are victims of deception and exploitation. Our duty is to bring them home safely, ensure they receive proper assistance, and make sure those responsible for trafficking are held accountable,” the BI commissioner added.

The returnees were immediately provided assistance by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.

Viado also warned the public against illegal recruiters who bypass lawful deployment channels.