Manila: Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an intensified crackdown against human traffickers and syndicates behind overseas job scams. In collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers, and foreign law enforcement counterparts, the police are targeting individuals and groups responsible for luring Filipinos into online scam operations abroad.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA has reported that the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar is currently handling 222 active requests for assistance from Filipinos situated in scam hub areas. Nartatez emphasized the expansion of coordination with international agencies to dismantle these transnational scam networks. The PNP is actively working with counterparts in Southeast Asia to identify recruiters and financiers involved in these criminal activities and is prepared to assist Filipinos in Myanmar seeking government help for safe repatriation.
Nartatez further urged the public to remain vigilant and verify job offers, particularly those encountered online, and to avoid trusting groups and individuals offering overseas employment opportunities. Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo announced that Cambodia has committed to strengthening coordination with the Philippines in combating human trafficking, particularly in rescuing and repatriating Filipino victims lured into scam operations.
Tulfo, who met with Cambodian officials during the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighted the need for intensified cooperation to dismantle syndicates exploiting Filipino workers through misleading online job offers. He also noted ongoing investigations by Philippine authorities into some Bureau of Immigration personnel allegedly involved in facilitating the departure of trafficking victims and urged Cambodia to examine its own immigration officers for potential collusion with syndicates.
Tulfo emphasized that human trafficking thrives with the assistance of certain officials and appealed for faster repatriation of rescued Filipinos, citing delays of up to a month before they can return home.
