DMW: Repatriation of Pinoys amid Thailand–Cambodia clashes unlikely

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday said that repatriation of Filipinos affected by the clashes at Thailand–Cambodia border is unlikely. 

But DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency remains ready as 251 Pinoys in seven areas near the border are now being assisted by the Philippine government. 

“Ito ay sitwasyon na hindi sila necessarily illegal doon o biktima ng human trafficking. So they legally work in Thailand and 'yung mga teachers and faculty supervisors in Cambodia, respectively,” Cacdac told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview. 

(This is a situation where they are not necessarily illegal or victims of human trafficking. So they legally work in Thailand, and the teachers and faculty supervisors in Cambodia, respectively.) 

“So hindi natin nakikita na magkakaroon ng repatriation. As long as humupa ang sitwasyon ay makakabalik naman sila sa trabaho,” he added. 

(So we don’t see any repatriation. As long as the situation de-escalates, they can go back to work.)

Some of the affected Filipinos are staying in evacuation centers while others are taking shelter in the homes of their fellow Filipinos, according to Cacdac. 

No Filipinos casualties have been reported so far, the DMW chief added. 

The Philippine government is providing financial assistance to the affected Filipinos for their basic needs as many of them are teachers whose classes have been suspended due to the clashes. —AOL, GMA Integrated News