The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will assist in the “release and extraction” of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Laos following the recent crackdown on the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ), known for its Chinese-owned casinos and hotels, as well as suspected illegal activities.
“The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane is working closely with Lao authorities and has also sent a team to Bokeo province to facilitate the release and extraction of distressed OFWs from the GTSEZ,” the Foreign Affairs Department said.
“The DFA is also funding their flights from Bokeo to Vientiane and onward to the Philippines, including accommodation, food, and basic needs. So far, we have responded to 129 requests for assistance, and already repatriated 7 Filipinos today,” it added.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, efforts are underway to repatriate 75 Filipinos. The embassy has also pledged to assist any remaining Filipinos in the Golden Triangle and will continue collaborating with Lao authorities to ensure their safety.
“Two officials from DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs (OUMA) are now in Laos to assist as part of the DFA’s Rapid Response Team,” the DFA said.
Earlier, local media reported that Laos has arrested almost 800 people working for a cyber scam network in the GTSEZ on the border with Myanmar and Thailand. Of the 771 people detained, most are from Laos, Myanmar, and China.
There are also individuals from Burundi, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tunisia, the Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam.
