DAVAO CITY – The Department of Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), facilitated the return of 13 Filipino surrogates who had been convicted by a Cambodian court on December 2, 2024, for violating Cambodia’s Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.
The group’s safe return was after a Royal Pardon granted by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on 26 December 2024.
This clemency, secured through a request from the Philippine Embassy and endorsed by the Royal Government of Cambodia, underscores the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. All 13 individuals departed Phnom Penh and arrived safely in Manila.
The DFA expressed profound gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, for the humane treatment extended to the Filipino surrogates during the investigation, trial, and detention processes.
This humanitarian act exemplifies the deep friendship between the Philippines and Cambodia and highlights both governments’ mutual commitment to combatting human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The repatriation underscores the legal and moral complexities surrounding surrogacy in Cambodia, where the practice is strictly prohibited under Cambodian laws. Specifically, the surrogates were charged under the Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation, which criminalizes commercial surrogacy as part of its broader efforts to address human trafficking and exploitation.
It can be recalled that Cambodia enacted a ban on surrogacy in 2016, following concerns that the practice was being exploited for commercial purposes, often involving cross-border syndicates that targeted vulnerable individuals.
Under this law, anyone found participating in surrogacy arrangements—whether as a surrogate, an intermediary, or a client—faces severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
The Philippine Government, through the DFA and IACAT, continues to work closely with Cambodian authorities to safeguard the welfare of its nationals abroad while advocating compliance with the host country’s laws.
Filipino citizens are strongly reminded that surrogacy is not only illegal in Cambodia but also carries significant legal and humanitarian risks, including exploitation and trafficking.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing surrogacy-related trafficking crimes, which often intersect with broader issues such as women’s rights, international human rights laws, and the exploitation of economic vulnerabilities.
The Royal Pardon granted by Cambodia’s King demonstrates a recognition of the individuals’ plight while reaffirming the need to uphold Cambodian laws designed to protect against exploitation.
Filipinos are urged to exercise vigilance and ensure compliance with international and host country laws to avoid legal consequences abroad.
The DFA continues to strengthen public awareness campaigns and provide assistance to citizens entangled in legal predicaments overseas, reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos worldwide.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
