24 trafficked Pinoys repatriated from Cambodia — BI

Twenty-four Filipinos have been rescued and repatriated after being forced to work in online scam hubs in Cambodia, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Monday.

The rescued Filipinos arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Saturday, Aug 23, from Phnom Penh.

The victims were rescued with the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia.

The NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking and the Department of Migrant Workers also provided aid upon the victims' arrival.

According to the bureau, the victims were recruited through social media.

They were promised work as customer service representatives with a $1,500 monthly salary.

However, they were forced to work as love scammers in catphishing syndicates targeting male Europeans, with a monthly salary of around $300.

The victims were also punished whenever they failed to meet their quotas.

These punishments include squatting exercises and other verbal and physical abuse.

The BI said the victims left the country as tourists. Some of them were sold to other companies.

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that 10 Filipinos were repatriated from Cambodia after they were forced to work for online scams.

Intercepted from going to Thailand

The BI also reported that it intercepted two other Filipinos, who attempted to fly to Thailand on Sunday.

The two victims initially claimed to be tourists but later admitted that they had been promised work as encoders abroad.

They were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance.

Authorities are investigating at least two recruiters in relation to the departure of the two victims, and the possible involvement of some personnel.

“These syndicates prey on Filipinos’ hopes for a better life abroad, but what awaits them is abuse, slavery, and despair. We urge everyone: do not gamble your safety on promises of easy money or quick deployment,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News