Manila: A senior Department of Justice (DOJ) official warned on Thursday that the situation of 13 Filipinas convicted for violating the surrogacy ban in Cambodia should alert Filipino women against being lured by human traffickers with promises of large sums of money. According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty spoke at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, emphasizing that the significant financial offers made by illegal recruiters often mask the severe consequences faced by the victims. Ty cautioned Filipinas who might be tempted by the possibility of becoming surrogate mothers for up to half a million pesos to reconsider their choices. He urged them to avoid such activities, as the same unfortunate fate might befall them as it did their compatriots. Ty highlighted that the situation also victimizes the children born from these illegal surrogacy arrangements. He expressed concerns over the current challenges faced in the Philippines regarding the care and future of these children once they are brought back to the country. Additionally, Ty revealed that authorities have identified a recruitment agency responsible for enticing the women, based on information provided by seven victims who were repatriated to the Philippines. He stated that a criminal investigation is now focusing on this agency and its recruiters.