MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government successfully repatriated 206 Filipinos who fell victim to scam hubs in Myanmar, bringing them home on March 25-26, 2025. Various government agencies welcomed them upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, ensuring their smooth reintegration.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking worked together to facilitate the victims’ safe return. The Philippine government also acknowledged Thailand’s critical role in the operation, with Thai authorities and embassies cooperating to combat transnational crimes.
Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty of IACAT emphasized the Philippines’ leadership in Southeast Asia’s fight against human trafficking, citing President Bongbong Marcos’ 2024 State of the Nation Address, which led to the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and scam hubs in the region. Investigations revealed that traffickers now target not only vulnerable individuals but also professionals with clean travel records. Many victims were lured abroad with high-paying job offers as customer service representatives, with 80% ending up in Myanmar and the rest in other parts of the Golden Triangle.
To support the repatriates, the government provided medical check-ups, food, financial aid, temporary shelter, and transportation. The DOH conducted thorough physical and mental health evaluations, with Secretary Ted Herbosa stressing concerns over the rising number of exploited Filipinos seeking overseas job opportunities. He vowed continued medical and psychosocial support for returning victims.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured victims that repatriation is just the beginning. “We are committed to helping them rebuild their lives. We know healing is a long and painful process, and we will not abandon them,” he said. The DOJ has launched an investigation to hold illegal recruiters and traffickers accountable, with the BI suspending seven immigration officers linked to the victims’ departure to Myanmar.
Remulla also warned Filipinos against suspicious job offers requiring travel to scam hub hotspots. “If the job offer involves backdoor exits or questionable travel arrangements, that’s a major red flag. Don’t fall for human traffickers preying on your dreams,” he cautioned. The government is preparing for the arrival of more trafficking victims in the coming weeks and urged the public to report suspected trafficking activities via the 1343 Actionline Against Human Trafficking.