Six human trafficking victims recruited to work in scam hubs in Myanmar were repatriated to the Philippines last April 4.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the latest batch of repatriations included 4 males and 2 females who all left as tourists in 2023.
Tansingco lamented that despite the numerous warnings about the prevalence of said scam, many Filipinos still attempted to venture out to work illegally in the said region.
It can be recalled that the BI first sounded the alarm on the said modus in 2022. The Interpol recently raised its concern on gangs and scammers in Southeast Asia involved in online romance scam centers, many of its workers are trafficked victims from the Philippines.
“Many countries have already agreed that this is a growing crisis,” said Tansingco. “Yet some Filipinos insist on departing as tourist to try out work offers they receive online, only to be duped into working in these scam hubs,” he added.
The 6 victims reportedly received little to no salary, and were subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
“Stop risking your life for these too good to be true job offers,” warned Tansingco. “Many have already suffered, do not let yourself be the next victim,” he added.
