Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a cautionary message to Filipinos, urging them to remain vigilant against human trafficking schemes masquerading as overseas job offers that appear excessively appealing. This advisory follows the repatriation of 206 Filipino victims of human trafficking from Myanmar.

According to Philippines News Agency, 206 Filipinos were recently brought back to the Philippines after being forced to work in fraudulent operations in Myanmar. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega emphasized the necessity of possessing a work visa to work legally in Southeast Asia. He warned that job offers promising easy employment without proper documentation are likely to be scams.

De Vega played a significant role in the operation to repatriate the individuals, who returned on two separate flights via Thailand. He assured that the government will provide the repatriates with reintegration assistance, including a PHP50,000 cash aid from the Department of Migrant Workers, in addition to the USD200 cash provided by the DFA during their stay in Thailand.

The closure of scam operations in Myanmar, in collaboration with Thailand and China, facilitated the return of the Filipinos. De Vega noted that while trafficking incidents in Myanmar might decrease, there is a possibility that such operations could relocate to other regions, such as Africa.

He urged Filipinos to be cautious and avoid job offers that do not include verified contracts and work visas, as these are often indicators of potential trafficking situations.