Fifty-three suspected victims of human trafficking repatriated from Cambodia arrived safely in the Philippines early Friday morning, the Department of Migrants (DMW) said.
The group landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard a flight from Phnom Penh.
Two victims required medical attention: one suffering from kidney failure and another with a fractured clavicle following a vehicle accident. Officials said both received initial treatment and will be referred to government hospitals for further care.
The DMW said the Filipinos were recruited through the messaging application Telegram and promised monthly salaries of $600 to $1,000 along with valid work visas. Instead, several victims reported being forced to work in online scam operations.
One victim said workers were required to secure up to 26 “love scam” clients daily and faced punishment if they failed to meet quotas.
The victim alleged being forced to perform 300 push-ups, deprived of food and withheld wages.
Upon arrival, an interagency team composed of the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Bureau of Immigration, NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking, Department of Health and airport medical personnel welcomed the returnees.
The repatriated Filipinos are currently receiving temporary accommodation while authorities process their statements.
“They are also expected to receive psychosocial counseling, reintegration assistance and transportation support for their return to their home provinces,” the DMW said.
