Report Filipino Scam Victims Return Home from Cambodia's Clutches

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In a concerning revelation, 23 Filipinos have been repatriated from Cambodia, where they were coerced into cyber scams, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). This operation highlights the dark underbelly of overseas job syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better prospects abroad.

 

Arriving at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 23rd August, the group—comprising nine men and 14 women—shared harrowing stories of deception and mistreatment. Initially lured by the promise of stable employment as customer service representatives with attractive monthly salaries of approximately 55,000 Thai Baht, their reality was starkly different.

 

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado sounded alarms on the deceptive practices used by these syndicates. "These criminals prey on hopes for a better life," Viado stated, lamenting the abuse and despair that awaited these Filipinos instead.

 

Far from the promised roles, the repatriates found themselves forced into the murky world of online love scams, targeting unsuspecting European men. Despite promises, they received a meagre sum of roughly 11,000 Thai Baht, a far cry from initial assurances.

 

Punitive conditions awaited those who failed to meet the scam quotas. Victims reported enduring gruelling squatting exercises, alongside verbal and physical abuse. Some likened their treatment to modern-day slavery, having been "sold" to different companies as mere commodities.

 

The journey into these dire circumstances often began under the guise of tourism. Many left the Philippines presenting as tourists, unaware of the ordeal to come. Notably, one victim travelled with his entire family, initially visiting Thailand before being diverted to Cambodia for the dubious employment.

 

This unsettling episode underscores the need for caution among overseas job seekers. Commissioner Viado urged the public to verify job offers through official channels and remain wary of social media solicitations, emphasising that legitimate opportunities seldom come without thorough vetting.

 

International cooperation and vigilant law enforcement remain critical to dismantling these exploitative networks. As authorities continue to combat these syndicates, the focus remains on rescuing victims and preventing further tragedies.

 

This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the perils that can accompany the pursuit of opportunities abroad. For the 23 Filipinos now regrouping in the safety of home, their ordeal is both a lesson and a call to action against a shadowy world of exploitation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-08-25