Pasay city: The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) announced on Monday that the Marcos administration is committed to bringing home distressed Filipinos, particularly those victimized by trafficking. "The IACAT, with DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), DMW (Department of Migrant Workers), at the forefront, in close coordination with other agencies, will sustain efforts to bring home distressed Filipinos from abroad," the council stated during a press briefing held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

According to Philippines News Agency, the IACAT highlighted that collaboration with key stakeholders and private sector partners has facilitated the successful repatriation of 120 distressed overseas Filipinos (OFs). These individuals are potential victims of trafficking and related crimes encountered abroad. Among the repatriated individuals, 77 were rescued from Laos, five from Cambodia, and 37 from Myanmar. Disturbingly, the council reported that some victims faced severe circumstances, including one individual forced to undergo abortion to continue working and another who was raped by her Chinese employer.

The victims were enticed to leave the country through deceptive online job offers, particularly in the online scamming and cyberfraud industry. Many were promised lucrative employment but instead found themselves trapped in abusive and exploitative situations. The agency emphasized the ongoing efforts to repatriate Filipinos from other regions, including Nigeria, Iraq, and Kurdistan.

These repatriations are part of the Philippine government's broader mission to ensure the safety of all rescued potential trafficking victims. The IACAT, along with its member agencies, is dedicated to offering immediate support and reintegration assistance upon their return to the Philippines.