47 trafficking victims in Myanmar, Thailand seek repatriation —DFA exec

At least 47 individuals who were apparently victims of human trafficking are reaching out to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to seek help for their repatriation, a department official said Tuesday.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega mentioned this during the Senate investigation into the case of 12 Filipinos who were recruited by a Chinese syndicate based in Myanmar to work as scammers, which was divulged by Senator Risa Hontiveros in a privilege speech last week.

One of the human trafficking victims, who uses the pseudonym "Rita," told the Senate panel that around 35 individuals sought their help after their case was reported in the news.

Rita said that similar to her experience, these individuals are also subjected to physical abuse if they fail to victimize other people through scams.

Rita added that just yesterday, one individual collapsed after his employer ordered him to run 15 laps as punishment for failing to reach their quota.

But De Vega said the embassies in Myanmar and in Bangkok have received more than 35 calls from the supposed human trafficking victims.

"Ang ating embahada, tanggapan sa Myanmar pati na rin sa Bangkok, they are in touch with hindi 31 e, actually 47…ang gustong umuwi," De Vega said.

The official added that though they are conducting seminars on assistance to nationals abroad, the situation is difficult in Myanmar as it is currently controlled by the military junta, which he said is not recognized by the Philippines.

"Napakakumplikado po, madam senator, 'yung sitwasyon because we know that the State Administrative Council... who is in control, hindi naman nire-recognize officially," he said.

"Pero sa area niyo kung nasaan kayo ma'am [Rita], nakita niyo na parang no man’s land, parang walang law and order doon. Kaya naghahanap tayo… ng go-betweens para ma-repatriate sila," he added.

De Vega expressed hope that another batch of Filipinos will be repatriated, saying there is enough funding.

"Hopefully; I can't give a date. Hopefully, mayroon tayong next batch na mapapauwi. Kasi kung funding lang, walang problema sa funding. We can fund that," he said.

Senator Raffy Tulfo suggested that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) help in reaching out to Myanmar's local police so that they can rescue these individuals immediately.

OWWA Deputy Administrator for Operations of Overseas Workers Mary Melanie Quiño said they have no Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Myanmar and that only the DFA can coordinate with the local authorities.

De Vega asked the Senate panel for details so they can order the Embassy in Myanmar to act on these cases immediately.

Department of Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman said after the 12 victims were rescued, they already referred the other victims to the authorities.

"We're working with the police attaché in Bangkok. Mayroon silang network of police generals, police personnel in various ASEAN countries," he said.

The DMW are also conducting backchannel negotiations to rescue the remaining Filipinos in Myanmar.

But Tulfo emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged them to act on this now.

"Concerned ako doon sa buhay ng mga nandoon pa sa sindikato. I want it rescued now…wag na po mag antay ng bukas pa," Tulfo said. "Hindi acceptable sa akin yung tomorrow i-rescue. Gusto ko po ngayon." — BM, GMA Integrated News