Manila: Filipinos seeking overseas employment are reminded not to accept suspicious job offers in Myanmar, as a deployment ban is currently in place in the Southeast Asian state.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar made the reiteration after reporting a rise in the number of Filipinos entering the country supposedly to work as "customer service representatives." The embassy highlighted that many individuals have been obtaining 70-day business visas under the guise of such employment opportunities.

In an advisory, the embassy emphasized, "Muli pong pinapaalalahanan ang lahat na nananatili ang pagpapairal ng deployment ban sa Myanmar," which translates to a reminder that the deployment ban in Myanmar remains in effect. The embassy did not provide specific numbers but noted that several dozens have previously sought rescue after falling victim to illegal recruitment and human trafficking within Myanmar.

The victims were reportedly recruited through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram, under the pretense of working as customer sales representatives. However, they were exploited to work as online scammers instead. The embassy has made its desks available for questions and inquiries, and can be reached at (+95) 998-521-0991.