26 Filipino trafficking victims rescued from Malaysia

A total of 26 Filipinos have been repatriated from Malaysia after falling victim to human trafficking schemes.

In a statement on Friday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said a batch of nine females and 17 males arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Most of the victims said they exited the country through illegal “backdoor” routes between 2006 and 2025 to bypass immigration protocols, traveling by boat to Malaysia.

“These victims were apprehended by Malaysian immigration authorities due to their undocumented status. Most were detained prior to their repatriation,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

According to the victims, one was coerced into sex work, while several male victims reported experiencing maltreatment while working in construction.

“Many Filipinos leave the country hoping to improve their lives, but traffickers take advantage of this vulnerability. These victims were deceived by false promises and subjected to exploitation. The Bureau stands firm in its mandate to assist victims and combat trafficking in all its forms,” Viado said.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) said it is now working with the victims to build cases against their recruiters.

Meanwhile, the BI said it is strengthening its efforts to curb trafficking at airports and seaports.

Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported the repatriation of 53 Filipinos who also fell victim to human trafficking in Cambodia.

The victims arrived on March 13 following coordinated rescue and repatriation efforts by Philippine authorities.—MCG, GMA Integrated News