The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has initiated the repatriation of Filipinos rescued from a scam hub in Myanmar, who are reportedly victims of human trafficking.
According to the DMW, the first batch of around 200 rescued Filipinos has safely returned to the country.
Thirty Filipinos were the first to arrive at NAIA Terminal 1 early Tuesday morning, with another 176 expected to arrive on a chartered flight tomorrow.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia stated that these individuals were rescued after allegedly being forced to work by a syndicate operating a scam hub in Myanmar.
Aside from being forced to deceive victims into making investments, the Filipinos are said to have worked 17-hour shifts. Those who failed to meet their targets were allegedly punished by being left in the sun, according to multiple complaints.
Moreover, the DMW noted that the victims were misled by fraudulent online recruitment schemes, which are currently being investigated by the government agency.
