The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh took significant action in December last year by repatriating 27 Filipinos who had fallen victim to human trafficking and illegal recruitment in Cambodia. This effort was made possible through the coordination between the embassy and Cambodian authorities, who handed over the victims to embassy officials on December 8, 2023.
In a statement, the embassy highlighted that this was the largest group of repatriated victims of human trafficking in Cambodia to date. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder for Filipinos to remain vigilant and cautious when encountering job opportunities offered through social media platforms. The embassy strongly advised individuals to engage only with licensed Philippine recruitment agencies to avoid falling prey to illegal recruitment and human trafficking schemes.
The victims, who had arrived in Cambodia on various dates, were found to have been lured under the guise of tourist visits, but were actually being recruited for positions as customer service representatives or interpreters in an undisclosed company involved in online scamming activities. Fortunately, the embassy, in collaboration with the Cambodian National Police, was able to rescue the victims while they were being transferred to another online scamming facility.
During their temporary shelter at Caritas Cambodia, the victims received a visit from Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Maria Amelita Aquino. The ambassador offered her support and ensured that the victims were well taken care of while awaiting their pre-departure clearance. The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) provided the necessary funds for their immediate repatriation.
The embassy expressed its gratitude to the Cambodian government for their prompt action in rescuing the Filipinos and for their continuous support in assisting victims of human trafficking and illegal recruiters. Additionally, they extended their appreciation to organizations such as Caritas Cambodia, the International Organization for Migration in Cambodia, the A21 Foundation, and the Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia (Organization of Filipinos in Cambodia) for their invaluable assistance in providing aid to the victims during their stay in Cambodia.
It is crucial for individuals to understand the risks associated with illegal recruitment and human trafficking, as these crimes continue to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad. By raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of engaging only with licensed recruitment agencies, the Philippine Embassy aims to protect its citizens from falling victim to such schemes.
In conclusion, the repatriation of the 27 Filipino victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment in Cambodia serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist and the need for continued vigilance. The embassy’s efforts, in collaboration with the Cambodian authorities and various organizations, demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino nationals abroad. By sharing this story, we hope to raise awareness and empower individuals to make informed decisions when seeking employment opportunities overseas.
Source: The Manila Times
