NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Nearly 200 Trafficking Victims Finally Head Home From Cambodia
Photo credit: DMW
After months — and for some, years — of distress far from home, nearly 200 overseas Filipino workers are finally coming back to the Philippines.
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the safety and well-being of distressed OFWs, the Department of Migrant Workers chartered a special flight to bring home Filipino human trafficking victims from Cambodia.
A total of 191 OFWs from different parts of the country are set to arrive in Manila on February 5, 2026 aboard Philippine Airlines Flight 2P9222. Most of the returnees came from Phnom Penh, with others rescued from Pailin, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Svay Rieng, and Siem Reap.
The group is being escorted by DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, who is leading the department’s Rapid Response Team to ensure the safe and orderly return of OFWs who fell victim to abusive and exploitative situations abroad.
The repatriation was made possible through close coordination between the DMW Migrant Workers Office in Singapore and the Department of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh under Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo.
With this latest batch, the total number of OFWs repatriated from Cambodia since 2022 has now reached 877 — a figure that continues to grow as authorities intensify efforts against human trafficking.
Once back in the Philippines, the returning workers will receive comprehensive support under a whole-of-government approach. The DMW and OWWA will provide immediate financial and welfare assistance, the Department of Health will handle medical needs, the DSWD will offer psychosocial support, and legal aid will be extended by the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau together with the IACAT Task Force.
For these OFWs, the flight home marks more than just a return — it’s the first step toward healing, recovery, and a fresh start.
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the safety and well-being of distressed OFWs, the Department of Migrant Workers chartered a special flight to bring home Filipino human trafficking victims from Cambodia.
A total of 191 OFWs from different parts of the country are set to arrive in Manila on February 5, 2026 aboard Philippine Airlines Flight 2P9222. Most of the returnees came from Phnom Penh, with others rescued from Pailin, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Svay Rieng, and Siem Reap.
The group is being escorted by DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, who is leading the department’s Rapid Response Team to ensure the safe and orderly return of OFWs who fell victim to abusive and exploitative situations abroad.
The repatriation was made possible through close coordination between the DMW Migrant Workers Office in Singapore and the Department of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh under Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo.
With this latest batch, the total number of OFWs repatriated from Cambodia since 2022 has now reached 877 — a figure that continues to grow as authorities intensify efforts against human trafficking.
Once back in the Philippines, the returning workers will receive comprehensive support under a whole-of-government approach. The DMW and OWWA will provide immediate financial and welfare assistance, the Department of Health will handle medical needs, the DSWD will offer psychosocial support, and legal aid will be extended by the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau together with the IACAT Task Force.
For these OFWs, the flight home marks more than just a return — it’s the first step toward healing, recovery, and a fresh start.
Feb 5, 2026
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