MANILA (November 12) — After months of fear and uncertainty, 346 Filipinos trapped in human trafficking and online scam hubs in Myanmar are finally coming home.
Malacañang on Tuesday announced that the group will arrive on November 12 aboard a chartered flight from Bangkok, Thailand, marking one of the largest rescue and repatriation efforts this year.
“Bibiyahe na bukas, lulan ng isang chartered flight mula Bangkok pauwi ng Pilipinas ang 346 na OFWs na naging biktima ng human trafficking,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are working together to bring the victims safely home and provide assistance once they arrive.
Many of the victims were lured by fake online job offers, only to end up trapped inside cyber scam compounds in Myawaddy Township, Myanmar. These operations reportedly mirrored illegal offshore gaming hubs in the Philippines that served as fronts for online fraud and human trafficking.
Just last month, Myanmar authorities raided the notorious KK Park compound, rescuing 66 Filipinos from abusive working conditions.
The Palace said more rescue efforts are underway as the government continues to track down and assist Filipinos caught in scam syndicates across Southeast Asia.
“Their homecoming is not just a flight back—it’s a fresh start,” Castro said. “We will make sure they get the care and support they need to rebuild their lives.”
