A group of 53 Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking in Cambodia arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Friday morning, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported.
The repatriates were flown from Phnom Penh via Philippine Airlines flight PR 2622, following coordinated rescue efforts by Philippine authorities.
The DMW said the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia and its Rapid Response Team assisted the victims in facilitating their safe return to the country.
Authorities said the victims were recruited through the messaging app Telegram with promises of salaries between $600 and $1,000 and valid work visas.
Upon arrival in Cambodia, some victims reported being abused, forced to complete hundreds of push-ups daily, denied food, and withheld pay for failing to meet work quotas linked to “love scam” operations.
A whole-of-government team from the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Bureau of Immigration, NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking, and Department of Health received the repatriates for processing and immediate assistance.
Two individuals required medical attention, including one with kidney failure and another with a broken clavicle from an accident. They were given medication and referred to nearby government hospitals for free treatment.
The victims are receiving temporary accommodation, psychosocial counseling, reintegration support, and transport assistance to their home provinces while their statements are being processed.
