30 trafficking victims return to PHL

THIRTY FILIPINO victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking in Myanmar have safely returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday.

The victims arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Tuesday, via Philippine Airlines flight PR 0733.

Upon arrival, the victims were immediately provided with assistance, including psychosocial support, financial aid, and legal assistance from a multi-agency team composed of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking.

Each of the repatriated victims received P50,000 in financial assistance from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and an additional P10,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

“Aside from financial assistance, one of the most important things we can provide is legal assistance to help them seek justice,” DMW Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia said in a statement.

The victims will also be referred to DMW’s reintegration programs, including upskilling and livelihood training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

DMW officials also said that an additional 176 Filipino victims of human trafficking are expected to arrive on a chartered flight on March 26.

The DMW reiterated its warning to overseas Filipino workers and job seekers to remain vigilant against fraudulent job offers circulating on social media, particularly cryptocurrency and love scams, known as “pig-butchering scams.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana