MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that 187 Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar will be repatriated as early as next week.
In a Senate hearing on March 18, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega reported that the Philippine government has been collaborating with Myanmar and Thailand to facilitate the victims’ safe return. The plan involves crossing the Friendship Bridge into Thailand, where the Filipino victims will be received by the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok before flying home.
“Thanks to our discussions with Myanmar authorities, the process is being expedited, and up to 187 individuals could cross the border next week,” De Vega told the Senate committee.
Of the victims, six were previously identified in earlier Senate hearings, and the DFA official confirmed they will be part of the repatriation. Additionally, negotiations are still underway for the safe rescue of 62 more Filipinos trapped in scam compounds in Myanmar.
Once returned, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will manage their reintegration into society. De Vega emphasized the need for a strong information campaign to prevent more Filipinos from falling victim to these human trafficking scams.
Myanmar’s Miyawaddy region, notorious for harboring scam syndicates, has been a hotspot for human trafficking, where many victims were duped into fake job offers and forced to work in illegal cyber scam operations.
OIC Ambassador Lito Nayan, leading repatriation efforts, reassured lawmakers that diplomatic talks with Myanmar are ongoing. “We are working urgently to repatriate all Filipino nationals still trapped in these compounds, with 187 confirmed for return next week,” he said.
ia/mnm
