MANILA, Philippines – Over 100 Filipinos arrived in Manila on Wednesday, March 26, after being rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar, where they endured severe abuse and exploitation.
Senator Risa Hontiveros personally welcomed the repatriates and condemned the atrocities they suffered at the hands of their captors.
“Salamat sa Diyos at nakauwi na ang mga kababayan natin. Kahit masaya tayo na nasa Pilipinas na sila, sobrang nakakagalit ang mga naranasan nila sa kamay ng mga Chinese scam bosses sa Myanmar,” Hontiveros said.
The senator, alongside Akbayan Partylist nominee Atty. Chel Diokno, met with some of the returnees who sought their assistance in escaping the syndicates.
The victim-survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including torture, rape, and prolonged deprivation of food and necessities.
“May babaeng ginahasa, may buntis na binugbog at kinuryente, may mga hindi pinakain ng ilang linggo. Para silang nasa impyerno. Our government must strictly ensure that not another Filipino steps foot in that hell again,” Hontiveros emphasized.
Calling for a global crackdown on transnational crime syndicates, the senator stressed the need for international cooperation.
“The Philippine government cannot do this alone. Governments and international bodies must collectively work together to keep our citizens safe,” she urged.
Hontiveros has been at the forefront of Senate inquiries into human trafficking related to scam compounds since 2022.
Her office previously facilitated the rescue of trafficked Filipino nationals in Myanmar, uncovering the extent of these operations.
“Tatlong taon na mula nung naibunyag natin ang karumal-dumal na kalakarang ito pero hanggang ngayon may mga Pilipino pa rin daw na napupunta sa mga scam compounds. Banned nga ang mga POGO na ginagawang scam hubs sa Pinas, pero sa ibang bansa naman ay tuloy-tuloy pa,” she said.
She warned Filipinos against falling prey to fraudulent job advertisements promising work in Thailand, Cambodia, or Myanmar, particularly those seen on social media.
Hontiveros expressed gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
She also called for adequate psychosocial support and reintegration programs to help the survivors recover from their traumatic experiences.
“I hope that the victim-survivors be given the proper psychosocial intervention dahil ibang klase ang trauma nila. Dapat din maisali sila sa mga reintegration programs para tuluyang makabangon muli,” she concluded.
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