MANILA, Philippines – A total of 176 Filipinos who were allegedly victims of human trafficking have finally returned home! Their plane landed safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 early Wednesday morning. This is the second batch of repatriates, following a group of 30 Filipinos who arrived on Tuesday.
How Did They Get Rescued?
These Filipinos were reportedly trapped in scam hubs in Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they were forced to work under harsh conditions. Thanks to a week-long mission by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Myanmar and Thailand, they were able to escape.
On March 24-25, they crossed the border from Myanmar to Mae Sot, Thailand, and were then transported non-stop to Bangkok’s airport. From there, they flew straight to Manila, where they were greeted by government officials and medical teams.
Medical & Emotional Support
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) made sure that all returnees were checked for medical issues. Specialists from various hospitals, including the National Center for Mental Health, also provided emotional support to help them recover from their traumatic experiences.
What Happens Next?
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No Punishment – The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured that even if these Filipinos were involved in illegal activities at scam hubs, they will not face punishment.
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Financial & Legal Aid – The DMW will provide financial assistance, legal support, and reintegration programs to help them restart their lives.
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Investigation Underway – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed that seven employees are now under investigation and suspension for allegedly helping traffickers illegally smuggle Filipinos out of the country.
A Warning to Filipinos
The government continues to warn Filipinos to be cautious of overseas job offers that seem “too good to be true.” Many trafficking victims were lured by false promises of high-paying jobs, only to be trapped and exploited.
The DFA urges all Filipinos planning to work abroad to follow proper legal processes with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure their safety.
This successful rescue mission saved 206 lives in total, giving these Filipinos a second chance at a better future!
