Twelve Filipino survivors of human trafficking returned safely to the Philippines from Cambodia early Wednesday, July 15, as the government pledged livelihood, reintegration and legal assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
The group arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 2622.
They were accompanied by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, who traveled to Cambodia to lead the inauguration of the country’s newest Migrant Workers Office in Phnom Penh.
The new office is intended to strengthen the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers in Cambodia.
Upon arrival, Cacdac assured the survivors that the government would continue supporting them through livelihood and reintegration programs.
“Tulungan po namin kayo na mabigyan ng ibang options para kumita at masuportahan ang pamilya ninyo, upang hindi na ninyo kailangang bumalik sa Cambodia,” Cacdac told the survivors.
The repatriates were welcomed by personnel from the DMW Central Office and National Capital Region, led by Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela Galias.
Representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking and the Department of Justice–Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking were also present.
The returning Filipinos received airport assistance, financial aid from the DMW and OWWA, transportation and temporary hotel accommodation.
They are also set to receive legal assistance after being given time to rest before returning to their respective home provinces.
The DMW renewed its warning against overseas job offers posted on social media, urging jobseekers to verify employment opportunities through the department to avoid illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
A distressed Filipino mother and her infant also arrived with the group after being endorsed by the Philippine Embassy for assistance and support from the DMW.