NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
30 Trafficked Filipinos From Myanmar Finally Home-Gov't Assures Aid And Justice
Photo credit: DMW
After a harrowing experience overseas, 30 Filipinos who fell victim to illegal recruitment and human trafficking in Myanmar are now safely back in the Philippines. Thanks to the joint efforts of various government agencies, they arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City on March 25, 2025, via a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok.
A Warm Welcome and Immediate Assistance
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), along with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other agencies, made sure these returning OFWs got the help they needed the moment they landed. From financial aid to legal assistance, the government stepped in to support them in rebuilding their lives.
Each repatriated Filipino received ₱50,000 from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and an additional ₱10,000 from OWWA. More than just financial aid, the government also provided psychosocial support, legal services, and reintegration programs, including upskilling through TESDA.
More Filipinos Set to Return
And it doesn’t stop here—another 176 Filipino victims are scheduled to arrive on March 26 via a chartered flight. The government remains committed to ensuring that every trafficked Filipino is safely brought home and given the assistance they deserve.
Falling into the Traffickers’ Trap
According to reports, these victims were lured through WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram with fake job offers as customer sales representatives in Myanmar. But instead of legitimate work, they were forced to become online scammers, particularly for illegal POGO-related activities.
DMW Undersecretary Olalia emphasized that aside from financial aid, legal assistance is crucial in helping the victims seek justice against those who exploited them. The government, through agencies like the DFA, DOJ, and PNP, is actively investigating the syndicates behind these operations.
A Warning to Job Seekers
The DMW is urging OFWs and job seekers to stay alert and avoid falling for fraudulent job offers on social media. Scammers often promise high salaries for cryptocurrency and “love scams” (also known as “pig-butchering scams”).
To avoid becoming a victim, Filipinos are encouraged to verify job offers and recruitment agencies through the official DMW website (dmw.gov.ph) or report suspicious activities via the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau hotline: +63 2 8721-0619.
A Warm Welcome and Immediate Assistance
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), along with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other agencies, made sure these returning OFWs got the help they needed the moment they landed. From financial aid to legal assistance, the government stepped in to support them in rebuilding their lives.
Each repatriated Filipino received ₱50,000 from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and an additional ₱10,000 from OWWA. More than just financial aid, the government also provided psychosocial support, legal services, and reintegration programs, including upskilling through TESDA.
More Filipinos Set to Return
And it doesn’t stop here—another 176 Filipino victims are scheduled to arrive on March 26 via a chartered flight. The government remains committed to ensuring that every trafficked Filipino is safely brought home and given the assistance they deserve.
Falling into the Traffickers’ Trap
According to reports, these victims were lured through WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram with fake job offers as customer sales representatives in Myanmar. But instead of legitimate work, they were forced to become online scammers, particularly for illegal POGO-related activities.
DMW Undersecretary Olalia emphasized that aside from financial aid, legal assistance is crucial in helping the victims seek justice against those who exploited them. The government, through agencies like the DFA, DOJ, and PNP, is actively investigating the syndicates behind these operations.
A Warning to Job Seekers
The DMW is urging OFWs and job seekers to stay alert and avoid falling for fraudulent job offers on social media. Scammers often promise high salaries for cryptocurrency and “love scams” (also known as “pig-butchering scams”).
To avoid becoming a victim, Filipinos are encouraged to verify job offers and recruitment agencies through the official DMW website (dmw.gov.ph) or report suspicious activities via the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau hotline: +63 2 8721-0619.
Mar 25, 2025
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