Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Thursday called for a united global effort to dismantle transnational criminal networks running scam hubs in Southeast Asia, following the repatriation of more than 100 trafficked Filipinos from Myanmar.
Hontiveros personally welcomed several survivors at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday, many of whom were rescued from exploitative compounds run by Chinese scam syndicates.
“The Philippine government cannot do this alone. Governments and international bodies must collectively work together to keep our citizens safe,” she said.
The senator expressed gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Foreign Affairs for their efforts in securing the safe return of the victims.
“I am deeply thankful to our national agencies for their tireless work in ensuring the safe return of our countrymen. I hope the victim-survivors receive the necessary psychosocial support and are included in reintegration programs to help them fully recover,” Hontiveros added.
According to Hontiveros, the repatriated Filipinos shared disturbing stories of their ordeal—some were tortured, raped, electrocuted, and starved.
“One woman was raped. A pregnant woman was beaten and electrocuted. Some were starved for weeks. It was like hell on earth,” she said. “Our government must take every measure to ensure no Filipino ever ends up in that situation again.”
Hontiveros first raised concerns about human trafficking to scam hubs in 2022, which prompted Senate investigations and rescue operations. While Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) linked to scam hubs have since been banned, she warned that similar trafficking activities persist in other countries.
She also urged the public to be cautious of suspicious travel or job offers, particularly those circulated on social media, involving destinations such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Myanmar.