Six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were victims of a human trafficking syndicate and forced to work in scam hubs in Myanmar were repatriated to the Philippines, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the r patriated OFWs included 4 males and 2 females who all left as tourists in 2023.
Tansingco lamented that despite numerous warnings on the prevalence of job scam, many Filipinos still attempt to venture out to work illegally in the said region.
It can be recalled that the BI first sounded the alarm on the said
modus in 2022. Also, the Interpol raised its concern on gangs and
scammers in Southeast Asia involved in online romance scam centers, many of its workers are trafficked victims from the Philippines.
“Many countries have already agreed that this is a growing crisis. Yet
some Filipinos insist on departing as tourist to try out work offers
they receive online, only to be duped into working in these scam
hubs,” he added.
The 6 victims reportedly received little to no salary, and were
subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
“Stop risking your life for these too good to be true job offers,”
warned Tansingco. “Many have already suffered, do not let yourself be the next victim,” he added.