The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday that the government is working to repatriate 14 Filipinos rescued from a major scam hub in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
In a statement, the DFA assured the public that efforts are underway to bring the group home after raids earlier this month freed more than 1,000 foreign nationals from cybercrime compounds.
“The Philippine government wishes to assure the families of the 14 Filipinos rescued from Hexin, and all those concerned for their well-being, that all efforts are being exerted towards their safe return to our country,” the DFA said.
The DFA added that the Philippine Embassies in Bangkok and Yangon are working closely with Myanmar and Thai authorities to secure the necessary clearances for the Filipinos’ transfer to Thailand.
However, it noted that the repatriation process remains “delicate and complex” due to the large number of foreign nationals being assisted in the border area.
“In the meantime, our diplomatic personnel have also sought the assistance of our contacts on the ground to extend welfare assistance to the Filipinos,” the DFA said.
“The situation and the safety of our nationals appreciate an abundance of patience and guarded discretion.”
Earlier this month, more than 1,000 foreigners escaped from KK Park, a notorious scam compound in Myawaddy. The Philippine Embassy in Yangon said it has received 222 active requests for rescue and repatriation assistance from Filipinos still trapped in Myanmar.
