Manila: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Thursday called on the international community to take coordinated action against transnational criminal networks operating scam hubs in Southeast Asia. This appeal came after she personally welcomed several Filipinos, who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that the Philippine government cannot tackle this issue alone and urged governments and international bodies to work collectively to ensure the safety of citizens. She expressed gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Foreign Affairs for their efforts in repatriating over 100 Filipinos rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar.

Hontiveros also stressed the importance of providing psychosocial support and reintegration programs for the victim-survivors to aid in their recovery. She recounted harrowing stories shared by the victim-survivors, which included instances of torture, rape, and starvation inflicted by Chinese scam syndicates in Myanmar. She highlighted the urgency for the government to take measures to prevent such situations for Filipinos in the future.

Hontiveros had previously raised concerns about trafficking to scam compounds in 2022, which led to Senate inquiries after her office assisted in the rescue of trafficked Filipinos from Myanmar. Although Philippine offshore gaming operators acting as scam hubs have been banned in the country, similar activities persist in other regions. Therefore, she urged the public to be cautious of travel or job offers to Thailand, Cambodia, or Myanmar, particularly those advertised on social media.