Manila: The Philippine government has issued an appeal to foreign authorities for assistance in rescuing Filipinos believed to be trapped and forced to work in illegal call centers across mainland Southeast Asia, as reported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA has been receiving reports of alleged Filipino human trafficking victims coerced into working in scam hubs. The DFA is actively collaborating with its Foreign Service Posts, particularly in Mainland Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, to dedicate efforts and resources for the assistance of distressed Filipinos. They are also seeking cooperation from the host countries' authorities.

While specific details regarding the number of distressed Filipinos or the reports received remain undisclosed, the agency assures the public of Manila's commitment to rescuing and repatriating all Filipino trafficking victims working in illegal call centers in the region.

The DFA has also advised Filipinos intending to work overseas to adhere to the proper deployment procedures set by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant agencies. They urge all Filipinos, including overseas communities, to support efforts to prevent recruitment and victimization schemes leading to forced criminality and participation in scams.

Relatives of Filipinos who may be trapped in scam hubs near the Myanmar-Thailand border are encouraged to provide verified information to Philippine authorities. The Philippine Embassy in Yangon can be contacted through their Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline at +95 998 521 0991 or via email at [email protected]. Similarly, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok is reachable via their ATN hotline +66 81989 7116 or email at [email protected].