The Philippine government repatriated 12 Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment operations in Myanmar.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Filipinos who were trafficked to Myanmar to work as online scammers in exploitative conditions arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Cebu Pacific Flight 57864.
The 12 victims were given “immediate assistance” in psychosocial services, financial aid, and legal aid by the DMW and other government agencies.
The DMW said the victims endured physical abuse, being struck with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rods and subjected to electric shocks. At times, they were forced to duck walk, frog walk, jump, and squat for extended periods.
“Because of these, the workers asked to leave; however, their employer insisted on a payment of $15,000 for their release,” the DMW said.
The 12 Filipinos were among the reported 250 individuals rescued from the Myanmar scam center and later released at the Thai border, Phop Phraas.
Meanwhile, the department reiterated its warning to Filipinos seeking overseas job opportunities to be alert of job offers, especially on social media platforms, and to verify employment opportunities through the agency’s official website.
