MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is preparing to repatriate 187 Filipino victims of human trafficking from Myanmar, with the operation expected to begin as early as next week.
Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) made the announcement during a Senate subcommittee hearing on justice and human rights.
De Vega outlined the process, explaining that the victims will first be brought to Thailand, where the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok will offer assistance.
Among those to be repatriated are six Filipinos who were previously identified in earlier efforts.
However, negotiations are still ongoing for an additional 62 Filipinos trapped in scam compounds in Myanmar.
These individuals were reportedly lured by false promises of high-paying jobs, only to become victims of human trafficking.