The 13 Filipina surrogate mothers and their babies who were repatriated from Cambodia were reunited with their respective families more than a week after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided them with temporary shelter.
“We are happy to report that the DSWD already processed the reintegration of the remaining five mothers and two babies to their families in Mindanao,” Social Welfare Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said on Wednesday.
Two of the surrogate mothers were accompanied by the DSWD Field Office (FO) Davao Region as they returned to their respective hometowns last Sunday.
Meanwhile, the three mothers and two babies who stayed at the Haven for Women in Muntinlupa also flew home to their provinces in Mindanao on Monday.
“Our social workers from the different FOs, including those in our centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs), who facilitated the process of reintegration, ensured the safety and smooth transition of the individuals involved,” Dumlao said.
The first batch of surrogate mothers and one baby were reintegrated into their families last December 30 and 31 in time for the New Year celebration.
All 13 surrogate mothers were among the 24 foreign women arrested by Cambodian authorities in Kandal province in September 2024 on charges of attempted cross-border human trafficking.
They arrived in the Philippines last December 29 after receiving a Royal Pardon following an appeal by the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, supported by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
“The DSWD reiterates its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from human trafficking and other exploitative practices, while also ensuring the welfare and rights of Filipino nationals both locally and abroad,” Dumlao said.
