‘Bring back Filipinos trafficked to Myanmar scam hubs’
Credit to Author: Marc Jayson Cayabyab| Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros yesterday urged authorities to crack down on a human trafficking syndicate that lures victims with promises of free trips to Thailand, only to exploit them in scam hubs in Myanmar.
During a Senate justice and human rights subcommittee hearing, Hontiveros prodded the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to rescue Filipinos who were victimized by social media ads offering a free trip to Thailand.
According to the senator, once in Thailand, these victims are reportedly taken to the Thai border and then transported to Myanmar, where they are forced to work in scam centers in Myawaddy, a known hub for online scams.
“If they refuse, they will be tortured and abused,” Hontiveros added in Filipino.
She reported that at least 100 Filipinos have reached out to her office seeking assistance in repatriation after being stranded at the border.
She also revealed the severe risks faced by victims, noting that one woman had been sexually abused.
“Please take note that at least a hundred more are still waiting for rescue but are stranded due to bureaucratic delays. Please also take into account the gender dimension, as at least one victim was allegedly raped by her Chinese bosses,” Hontiveros said.
DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman said the department is coordinating with Thai officials in repatriating the Filipinos, who were among the hundreds of foreign nationals recently rescued from the online scam centers.
Since last month, at least 21 Filipinos have been rescued from Myawaddy and Mae Sot, De Guzman reported.