DFA Rescues Over 100 Filipinos from Myanmar Scam Hubs

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now processing the documents of over 100 Filipinos who were rescued or escaped from scam hubs in Myanmar to facilitate their return to the Philippines. According to a report by JP Soriano on GMA News 24 Oras this Thursday, Filipinos are currently housed in a consolidated facility in Myanmar.

However, some Filipinos remain trapped in scam hubs, particularly in rebel-controlled areas of Myanmar. The DFA emphasized the need to coordinate with rebel groups to rescue those still in danger. Many Filipinos reportedly face abuse from their employers, especially when they fail to meet scamming quotas.

DFA officials from the Office of Migration Affairs, alongside representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, are now in Thailand to expedite the necessary documents to safely transport the Filipinos from Myanmar to Thailand. Once in Thailand, the Filipinos must leave the country and fly back to the Philippines within 24 hours, in compliance with Thai regulations.

DFA-OMA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega expressed hope that the over 100 Filipinos in Myanmar will be repatriated by next week. Meanwhile, the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers reiterated their warning to Filipinos to remain cautious and vigilant when considering job offers abroad, particularly in countries where visas are not required for entry.