A group of 190 Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) early Thursday morning following a rescue operation in Cambodia, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The repatriates arrived via Philippine Airlines flight 2P9222 at Terminal 1 around 4:20 a.m.
The group consists of 95 men and 95 women.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the repatriation originally included 191 individuals, but one woman was unable to board after being denied medical clearance.
The passenger, who is undergoing dialysis, remains in Phnom Penh under the monitoring of Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille Mayo until her condition stabilizes.
The victims were rescued from several locations across Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Pailin, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Svay Rieng, and Siem Reap.
According to officials, most were recruited through social media and forced to work in illegal online scam operations.
Secretary Cacdac noted that this latest arrival brings the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Cambodia to 877 since 2022.
Upon arrival, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) transported the repatriates to temporary housing for documentation.
The government has mobilized a multi-agency response to support the victims.
The DMW and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) are providing legal assistance for filing criminal charges, while the Department of Health is conducting medical check-ups.
Additionally, the DSWD is offering psychosocial support, and the Department of Labor and Employment is coordinating livelihood and local employment opportunities, including potential placements in the BPO sector.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty stated that authorities are already identifying individuals to be charged in connection with the trafficking ring.
The DMW reminded the public to remain vigilant against job offers made through social media and to verify all overseas employment opportunities through official government channels to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.