Report 21 Trafficking Victims Return to Philippines After Myanmar Ordeal

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A group of 21 Filipino human trafficking victims has been safely repatriated from Myanmar, where they endured forced labour as scammers. This was reported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on June 30, following their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on June 25.

 

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado expressed deep concern over the victims' harrowing experiences. Lured abroad by deceitful promises of legitimate work, they were subjected to degrading conditions that stripped them of their dignity. The BI is now ramping up efforts in collaboration with other government agencies to identify and prosecute the criminals responsible for these heinous acts.

 

Upon their return, the victims were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), which is tasked with compiling evidence to build strong cases against the traffickers. This coordinated effort aims to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences of similar crimes.

 

Details shared by the victims paint a distressing picture. Two victims were overseas Filipino workers who had been recruited through a third country, while the others departed the Philippines under the guise of tourism. Many had responded to enticing job advertisements on social media platforms, such as a supposed Customer Service Representative position in Thailand, which promised a lucrative $1,000 monthly salary.

 

One female victim recounted her ordeal, revealing that she was coerced into executing online romance scams aimed at American citizens. Her working conditions were brutal—over 14 hours daily without any rest days—and she never received the salary she had been promised.

 

A male victim shared equally distressing experiences of physical abuse whenever he failed to meet the imposed quotas. He also faced threats of electrocution should he attempt to alert authorities to his plight.

 

This incident underscores the growing issue of human trafficking and the sophisticated tactics used by traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals. The BI's proactive approach in addressing these crimes emphasizes the importance of vigilance and coordinated efforts in tackling human trafficking.

 

The authorities urge the public to remain cautious of suspicious job offers, particularly those online, and to report any suspected trafficking activities. The BI's commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring their safe return home reflects a broader effort to combat human trafficking and deliver justice for victims.

 

The repatriation of these victims marks a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking, highlighting the essential need for continued vigilance and cooperation among international and domestic authorities to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-06-30