A total of 39 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who fell victim to human trafficking in Nigeria were safely repatriated to the Philippines, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare and rights of distressed migrant workers.
The victims arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday night via Qatar Airways flight QR932. They were received by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
According to the DMW, the OFWs were among those arrested in a large-scale Nigerian government raid in December 2024 that targeted cryptocurrency and romance scam operations. The workers were lured with false promises of legitimate jobs as customer service representatives with a salary of USD1,000 and free board and lodging. Instead, they were forced into cyber scams, had their passports confiscated, and endured threats and exploitative conditions.
One young Filipina mother who gave birth while in detention was unable to return with the group. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who personally visited her during his recent trip to Nigeria, said she and her infant will be repatriated once medically cleared to travel.
The Philippine government secured the release of the OFWs detained in Lagos through assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Abuja and the Honorary Consulate in Lagos, who helped facilitate a plea bargain agreement.
Upon arrival, the repatriates received immediate aid from OWWA, including food packs, medical care, psychosocial services, temporary shelter, and transportation support to their home provinces. Each also received PHP50,000 in financial aid from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund.
Cacdac assured the victims of full reintegration support, citing President Marcos’ directive to help them rebuild their lives.
House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairperson Rep. Bryan Revilla, who joined government officials in welcoming the returnees, emphasized Congress’s continuing role in safeguarding OFWs.
The repatriation was a whole-of-government effort involving the DMW, OWWA, DFA, DSWD, Bureau of Immigration, DOJ, TESDA, the House of Representatives, New NAIA Infra Corp., and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Meanwhile, the OWWA urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspected cases of trafficking. Assistance may be sought through its 24/7 Operations Center via hotline 1348, Viber (+63 915 079 5005 / +63 969 169 7068 / +63 966 473 9543), WhatsApp (+63 966 473 9543), or its official Facebook page.