Pasay city: The Philippine government, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is stepping up efforts to rescue and repatriate Filipino workers victimized by human traffickers and scam hubs across Southeast Asia.

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, during a media briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reminded those seeking foreign employment to always follow the process and call the DMW when in doubt. He highlighted that even professionals are now falling victim to scammers and illegal recruiters. Cacdac emphasized the importance of going through the DMW to avoid being trapped by the modus operandi of scam hubs.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega revealed that nearly 100 Filipinos are believed to be stranded in "scam farms" in the border areas, specifically between Thailand and Myanmar, including Laos and Cambodia. Many victims were lured by false job offers posted online, leading them into scamming operations once they arrived. De Vega stressed that despite repeated warnings, some Filipinos continue to fall for fake online job offers.

The DFA reported that as of July 7, at least 118 Filipinos are awaiting repatriation, including 75 from Myanmar, 30 in Thailand, six in Cambodia, and seven in Laos. Of those in Myanmar, 14 are already in the process of being transferred to safety. The ongoing repatriation efforts face challenges due to the victims' locations, especially in areas controlled by non-state armed groups.

Between January 1 and July 15, the DFA responded to 480 cases of trafficking and assistance-to-nationals incidents in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Cacdac confirmed that the Department of Justice has filed charges in at least two to three cases involving local recruiters tied to scam hubs, noting the DMW's close collaboration with the justice department.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's Patricia Yvonne Caunan urged job seekers to be cautious of offers to work abroad under a tourist visa. She advised utilizing the hotlines and offices of the DMW and OWWA to verify job offers, highlighting recurring stories of Filipinos who were misled into believing they had jobs in the Middle East or Europe, only to end up in scam operations and seeking help from the DFA and DMW.