The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release of 78 Filipinos in Myanmar who had been detained for immigration-related offenses after being trafficked to work in scam centers.
“All the Filipinos were trafficked for employment in scam centers in Myanmar and had been serving sentences for illegal entry and residency,” the DFA said.
The department expressed appreciation to Myanmar authorities for granting the release as part of a humanitarian gesture during the Myanmar New Year, also known as Thingyan.
“The Department also expresses its appreciation to Myanmar authorities for this compassionate and humanitarian gesture, made during the Myanmar New Year (Thingyan), which reflects the goodwill between Myanmar and the Philippines,” it added.
The DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Yangon is coordinating with Myanmar officials to ensure the prompt, safe, and orderly repatriation of the Filipinos.
Authorities noted that the individuals were victims of trafficking schemes that lured them into illegal employment in scam hubs abroad, a growing concern affecting workers in parts of Southeast Asia.
The DFA said it is working closely with the Department of Migrant Workers to assist the returning nationals and ensure their welfare.
“The Department reaffirms its foreign policy pillar of protecting Filipino nationals overseas, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers, and will continue to work with relevant law enforcement agencies toward the prosecution of illegal recruiters of Filipinos trafficked for illegal jobs abroad,” the DFA said.
It added that legal action will be pursued against recruiters and syndicates involved in trafficking Filipinos, as part of broader efforts to curb human trafficking and dismantle transnational scam operations.