The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on Wednesday announced the successful repatriation of 206 Filipino scam hub victims from Myanmar to the Philippines.
In his message, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty—in-charge of IACAT—emphasized the Philippines’ significant contribution against human trafficking in Southeast Asia.
“Let us not forget that the Philippines was the first to shut down POGO (Philippine offshore gaming operators) and scam hub operations in the Southeast Asian region as a result of the proclamation of President Bongbong Marcos in his State of the Nation Address in 2024,” he said.
The swift return of the victims was due to the assistance and cooperation of international counterparts, especially the government of Thailand.
Their stand against scam hubs, and their cooperation with Philippine embassies played a significant role in the safe return of our compatriots. This is just proof of the strong ties and cooperation between countries against transnational crimes.
Those who are being victimized are not only vulnerable sectors but also educated or professional individuals and those with clean travel records, according to investigations by various IACAT agencies.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla noted that repatriation is just the beginning since they promise to help the victims recover and face their lives again.
The healing process is long and painful, so we will not abandon them, he said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately began an investigation to hold illegal recruiters and traffickers accountable while the Bureau of Immigration suspended 7 immigration officers involved in the departure of the victims to Myanmar.
Remulla also warned the public to be wary of job offers that require them to travel to areas known to have scam hub operations.
“If the offer goes through backdoor exits or has suspicious travel arrangements, that is a big red flag. Let us not be fooled by human traffickers who are taking advantage of our dreams,” said Remulla.
