Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros urged the government Tuesday to accelerate the repatriation of Filipinos trafficked into scam operations in Myanmar.
“These POGOs (Philippine offshore gaming operators), human trafficking, and scamming syndicates are evolving and morphing. They continuously try to deceive not only us Filipinos but also other foreign nationals who may become their victims,” she said.
“In a way, we’re racing against time. And again, we appreciate the efforts of the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs),” Hontiveros added.
She announced that negotiations with Myanmar authorities have progressed, leading to a faster process for returning the victims.
Hontiveros said as early as next week up to 187 Filipinos could cross the border into Thailand, where the Philippine embassy will facilitate their safe return home.
Meanwhile, another 62 Filipinos remain trapped in the compounds and require immediate rescue.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega assured that despite the scale of the crisis, progress has been ongoing.
“We need to get this message across to the public. The scamming operations continue because people are still being lured in, but starting now, it looks like they’re shutting down in Myanmar,” he said.
Hontiveros also urged law enforcement agencies to dismantle the trafficking networks responsible for sending Filipinos into these dangerous situations.
“Based on my readings, these scam hubs seem to be allowed to operate. It’s like they’re being permitted and left unchecked. If this continues, the cycle will only repeat itself. More of our fellow Filipinos could end up getting deceived,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
Gatchalian emphasized the importance of coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and launching an information campaign to educate the public, warning them not to fall for offers that seem too good to be true.
“They post on social media, and people get tricked when they go there. So, we really need to educate our constituents not to fall for these kinds of offers that are almost, practically impossible,” he said.