Manila: Over 500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand are currently receiving government assistance after being affected by a combination of natural disasters, border tensions, and human trafficking. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) disclosed these developments, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support Filipinos overseas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, during a recent press briefing, emphasized the government's proactive response to the various crises impacting Filipinos abroad, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Cacdac explained that multiple scenarios have overlapped in Thailand, including a scam hub situation and the Thai-Cambodia border conflict, compounded by strong rains and significant flooding in southern Thailand last November.
On December 12, at least 71 OFWs were repatriated from Myanmar-linked scam operations. However, approximately 100 individuals remain stranded on the Myanmar side of the border, particularly in the Miyawadi area, awaiting a coordinated transfer to Thailand before returning home. Cacdac noted improved border coordination between Myanmar and Thailand, facilitating more orderly crossings under government-to-government arrangements.
In Cambodia, 56 Filipinos rescued from scam hubs near the Thai-Cambodia border are now in safer locations and undergoing repatriation processing. Of this group, 22 are expected to return to the Philippines within the week, with the remainder following through arrangements led by the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, the response has focused on in-country evacuation rather than repatriation. Around 259 teaching and non-teaching personnel affected by the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia have been evacuated from the border area, with some sheltered by Filipinos in safer locations. Cacdac emphasized the importance of evacuation in-country, noting that while repatriation is not yet feasible, the situation may allow these individuals to return to their teaching institutions once it stabilizes.
Additionally, 154 Filipinos affected by severe flooding in southern Thailand in November are receiving separate assistance. Although no injuries were reported, many workers faced job disruptions and property damage, prompting ongoing support from the Philippine labor and consular office.
Geraldine Mendez, the officer-in-charge of the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), expressed concern over the scale of trafficking cases. From January to November this year, the MWPB recorded about 1,073 Filipino trafficking victims from Myanmar alone. Across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, the total number of trafficking victims reached 2,021, primarily involving scam hubs and forced criminality. Mendez also noted that the DMW MWPB is closely monitoring Malaysia for sexual exploitation and trafficking, and South Korea for labor trafficking involving seasonal farm workers.
