Filipino victims of human trafficking arrive from Laos

They are just nine of 73 Filipinos rescued from Laos where they were forced to work in a fraud syndicate, according to the Migrant Workers Department.

MANILA, Philippines – Nine Filipino workers rescued from alleged scam syndicates in Laos returned home to the Philippines on Sunday, August 25, as the Department of Migrant Works (DMW) pledged to assist them in their quest for justice.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met with victims of alleged human trafficking cases at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and assured them of “the government’s full assistance as they seek justice and rebuild their lives,” according to a Facebook post by the agency.

The victims were rescued from suspected criminal groups located in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo province, Laos, through the efforts of the Inter-Agency Council to Combat Trafficking.

According to DMW, the Filipinos were promised jobs as customer service representatives in Thailand but were eventually forced to work as scammers. Thailand shares a border with Laos.

A total of 73 Filipinos were rescued from Laos, the agency added, who are also expected to receive financial aid, psychosocial support and legal assistance from the government.

This is not the first time that Filipinos have been rescued in the region. As early as 2022, the Senate – led by Senator Risa Hontiveros – investigated cases of trafficking of Filipinos to other Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia and Myanmar. – Rappler.com