DMW deploys team to aid Filipino repatriation in Cambodia

The Department of Migrant Workers sent a team to Cambodia to aid the repatriation of 27 overseas Filipino workers who have fallen victim to human trafficking after being tricked into working for illegal online financial and phishing operations there.

DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac stated that they are working in full cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh in documenting the victims' cases.

"This is yet another incident in the growing number of cases involving the illegal recruitment of our overseas Filipino workers for illegal online financial operations," Cacdac said.

The OFWs will be provided legal and financial assistance as well as psychological first aid, led by DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman.

The Filipino victims arrived in Cambodia this year in January as tourists. They were told they would be working as tech support representatives, but eventually got to work in a facility for online fraud in the O'Smach District near the Thai Border.

The cases of the 27 victims are being monitored by the DMW and PE-Phnom Penh in close cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation in preparation for their repatriation.

According to Consul-General Emma Sarne, the Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia and the Philippine Eagles chapter in Phnom Penh are working with the Filipino Community in Cambodia to support the victims with donations of food, snacks, and hygiene kits.

Sarne adds that the Embassy is also collaborating with the International Organization of Migration, the A21 Foundation, and other partner agencies in the Philippines in extending assistance to the victims and facilitating their immediate repatriation.