PNP seeks foreign help to locate Filipinos trapped in Myanmar scam hubs
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to verify reports that hundreds of Filipinos are being held against their will in online scam operations in Myanmar.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Thursday that authorities were working with other government agencies to establish the circumstances of the reported detention and identify possible rescue measures.
“We are verifying this report in coordination with other government agencies. This requires immediate attention and response especially if they are being withheld against their will,” Nartatez said.
The move follows claims by a former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) official that between 900 and 1,500 Filipino workers remain trapped in scam hubs in Myanmar.
The figures have yet to be independently verified.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have been working to locate and assist Filipinos allegedly recruited into transnational online fraud operations.
The DMW earlier confirmed that 51 Filipinos were detained in Cambodia following arrests linked to online scam operations.
Nartatez said the PNP was strengthening information-sharing with foreign counterparts while pursuing individuals and groups involved in recruiting Filipinos for illegal operations abroad.
The police chief said the efforts were aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to combat human trafficking, fraud and other forms of exploitation.
“Our responsibility to protect our kababayans does not end at our borders. We will pursue every available channel of coordination with foreign authorities to locate our fellow Filipinos, secure their rescue, and hold those responsible for their exploitation accountable,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it would continue working with domestic and international agencies to verify the reports, locate affected Filipinos and pursue those responsible for their alleged exploitation.