A total of 190 Filipino victims of human trafficking returned to the Philippines from Cambodia early Thursday morning, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines flight.
The group was met by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and officials from government agencies who assisted with their arrival and welfare checkups.
Many of the returnees were lured overseas with job offers that promised high pay and legal positions, only to be taken to scam hubs in Cambodia where they were forced into illegal activities. Some victims were reportedly subjected to torture and harsh conditions.
Cacdac said the victims were recruited with promises of work as administrative clerks but ended up being trapped in operations linked to transnational syndicates.
One Filipino who was eligible for repatriation did not board the flight because he was undergoing dialysis treatment in Phnom Penh.
The flight was organized by the Department of Migrant Workers under the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to ensure the safety and well-being of distressed overseas Filipino workers.
The repatriated workers were escorted by DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi and a rapid response team.
Officials said the government coordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia and the DMW Migrant Workers Office-Singapore to facilitate the repatriation.
Authorities said some scam hubs in Cambodia are run by foreign nationals and that several suspected operators have already been arrested by Cambodian law enforcement.
Upon arrival, the returnees were scheduled to receive financial aid, medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance from various Philippine government agencies including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Officials said around 300 more Filipinos being trafficked in Cambodia were still awaiting repatriation processing.
The total number of Filipinos repatriated from Cambodia since 2022 has reached 877, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and assist victims.
