Manila: The Philippine government, led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), has successfully repatriated 190 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rescued from scam hubs in Cambodia. This effort is part of a comprehensive government initiative to combat human trafficking and provide assistance to victims.
According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, speaking at a press briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City, announced that the group arrived via a Philippine Airlines chartered flight. The operation was in line with the President's directive to ensure the safety and protection of OFWs.
Originally, 191 individuals were set to return, but one OFW remained in Phnom Penh for medical treatment. Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille Mayo and a team are still present in Cambodia to oversee the situation. DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi confirmed that they attempted to include the individual in the repatriation, but medical advice prevented it due to the severity of her condition.
The latest batch of repatriates brings the total number of OFWs rescued from scams and repatriated by the government to 877 since 2022. Upon their return, the group will receive medical and psycho-social evaluations from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. They will also receive temporary shelter, financial support, and transportation to their home provinces.
DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa emphasized the importance of mental health support due to the trauma endured by the victims. Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty explained that most victims were recruited through online platforms and informal channels, subsequently forced to work in scam operations.
Cacdac warned against illegal recruitment, urging applicants to use proper channels for overseas employment. He highlighted red flags such as online transactions and recruitment meetings in public places. He also reminded the public about the visa-free arrangements with Southeast Asian countries, clarifying that these are only for tourism purposes, not employment.
Cacdac underscored the necessity of obtaining a work visa before leaving the country for employment in ASEAN countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
