MANILA– The first batch of Filipino victims of human trafficking, rescued from a scamming hub in Myanmar arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Tuesday morning, March 25, 2025. 

The initial batch consisted of 30 individuals on board a commercial flight from Thailand.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Filipinos were rescued from scam hub compounds where they were forced to participate in online scamming activities. 

Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said that an additional 176 Filipinos are expected to arrive on a chartered flight on Wednesday morning. 

“Mahirap to kasi yung ang tagal nila sa compound na naghihintay para 'yung authorized na silang makapuntang Thailand, tapos galing Thailand susunduin natin,” he said. He noted repatriations must be conducted in batches due to logistical and processing constraints.

De Vega also revealed that there is news that an additional 49 victims have been approved for repatriation.

Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, DMW Undersecretary For Licensing And Adjudication Services, said repatriated individuals will receive financial assistance. P50,000 from the DMW and P10,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

He said DMW will conduct thorough investigations to identify and prosecute the illegal recruiters responsible for these cases. He said the scams frequently start on social media, where recruiters exploit messaging applications to lure potential victims and promise high-paying jobs abroad.

“Kasama sa programa natin 'yung bigyan sila ng hustisya kaya kami po sa DMW… ang in charge sa paghahanda sa pagkuha ng testimonya… para ng sa ganon malaman natin ang puno’t dulo ng lahat… alamin natin sino illegal recruiter sakanila, at papano sila nakakarating dun,” Olalia said.

He shared that the DMW will implement reintegration programs including job referrals assisting victims in securing legitimate employment within the Philippines.

One of the repatriated victims said he spent four months working at the scam hub until he was finally rescued by the Myanmar military who carried out inspections at the location.

“Pag di kayo naka-reach ng quota, ibibilad nila kayo sa araw tapos may mga times na wala kayong morning break almost 17 hours kami nagtatrabaho dun babad kami sa work,” the victim shared.

He explained that they were made to pose as wealthy individuals to gain the trust of online victims and then persuade them to invest in fraudulent platforms.

Officials strongly advise Filipinos to be extremely cautious of job offers that lack formal contracts, proper visas, and DMW processing, as these are significant red flags.

187 victims of Myanmar scam hubs to come home: DFA