The Philippine government is exploring all avenues to to bring home as soon as possible eight Filipinos currently held in Myanmar, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
In a statement, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said coordination is continuing to assist the distressed Filipinos, among them tourist Kiela Samson who was arrested at the border of Thailand and Myanmar last month.
“The Philippine Embassy in Yangon maintains active and regular contact with Myanmar’s law enforcement authorities in Nay Pyi Taw and Myawaddy to secure the safety and well being of the said Filipinos and assist them in returning home the soonest time possible,” Daza said.
She said the group could leave Myanmar upon completion of their repatriation proceedings, notably the immigration protocols.
Daza also said Myanmar authorities have vowed to cooperate with Manila on the matter.
Among the eight were alleged human trafficking victims who were rescued by Myanmar authorities from in Myawaddy.
Last Monday, Daza urged on eyeing overseas employment to follow government regulations and be duly registered as overseas Filipino workers instead of leaving the country as tourists.
“Recruiters who promise Filipinos jobs abroad, if they pretend to be tourists and evade our controls, are just leading our kababayans (compatriots) to dangerous situations where it may be very difficult to secure their safety and assist them in returning home,” she said.
