NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
12 Trafficked Filipinos Rescued From Myanmar Scam Hub, Now Home Safe
Photo credit: DMW
Twelve Filipinos who fell victim to illegal recruitment and human trafficking in Myanmar are now safely back in the Philippines, thanks to the swift action of the government. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), along with other agencies, ensured their safe repatriation and is now assisting them in rebuilding their lives.
From Job Promise to Nightmare
It all started with a job offer on Facebook—customer sales representative roles in Myanmar. But instead of a legitimate career, the victims found themselves trapped in an online scam operation, forced to work without pay or rest days. Worse, they were subjected to brutal punishments: beatings with PVC sticks, electric shocks, and grueling physical punishments like duck walks and squats for hours.
When they tried to escape their hellish conditions, their employer demanded a $15,000 “exit fee.” With no means to pay, they had no choice but to flee. Fortunately, the Myanmar military assisted them, leading to their release along with 250 others from the scam hub. They eventually made it to the Thai border, where they were handed over to authorities.
A Joint Effort to Bring Them Home
On February 19, the rescued Filipinos landed at NAIA Terminal 3 via Cebu Pacific, thanks to coordinated efforts from the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office in Bangkok. Upon arrival, they received immediate aid, including psychosocial support, financial assistance, and legal guidance from a multi-agency team composed of the DMW, Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), and NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIA-TFAT).
A Warning to Job Seekers
The DMW is once again urging Filipinos to be extra cautious when applying for jobs abroad, especially those found on social media. To avoid falling into the same trap, job seekers should always verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and job postings via the DMW website (https://dmw.gov.ph/).
For any concerns about illegal recruitment or trafficking, reports can be sent to:
馃搶 DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau
馃搷 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip
馃摟 Email: mwpb@dmw.gov.ph
馃摓 Hotline: +63 2 8721-0619
This harrowing experience serves as a reminder that while overseas job opportunities can be life-changing, they can also be dangerous when not thoroughly vetted. Stay informed, stay safe.
From Job Promise to Nightmare
It all started with a job offer on Facebook—customer sales representative roles in Myanmar. But instead of a legitimate career, the victims found themselves trapped in an online scam operation, forced to work without pay or rest days. Worse, they were subjected to brutal punishments: beatings with PVC sticks, electric shocks, and grueling physical punishments like duck walks and squats for hours.
When they tried to escape their hellish conditions, their employer demanded a $15,000 “exit fee.” With no means to pay, they had no choice but to flee. Fortunately, the Myanmar military assisted them, leading to their release along with 250 others from the scam hub. They eventually made it to the Thai border, where they were handed over to authorities.
A Joint Effort to Bring Them Home
On February 19, the rescued Filipinos landed at NAIA Terminal 3 via Cebu Pacific, thanks to coordinated efforts from the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office in Bangkok. Upon arrival, they received immediate aid, including psychosocial support, financial assistance, and legal guidance from a multi-agency team composed of the DMW, Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), and NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIA-TFAT).
A Warning to Job Seekers
The DMW is once again urging Filipinos to be extra cautious when applying for jobs abroad, especially those found on social media. To avoid falling into the same trap, job seekers should always verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and job postings via the DMW website (https://dmw.gov.ph/).
For any concerns about illegal recruitment or trafficking, reports can be sent to:
馃搶 DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau
馃搷 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip
馃摟 Email: mwpb@dmw.gov.ph
馃摓 Hotline: +63 2 8721-0619
This harrowing experience serves as a reminder that while overseas job opportunities can be life-changing, they can also be dangerous when not thoroughly vetted. Stay informed, stay safe.
Feb 20, 2025
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