Four Filipinos Repatriated After Trafficking Scam in Cambodia
Authorities recently confirmed the safe return of four Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking and job scams in Cambodia. The four men, aged between 27 and 46, were promised lucrative salaries and swift deployment to Thailand but instead fell prey to online scam syndicates operating abroad.
The Bureau of Immigration reported that these Filipinos were deceived with the promise of quick jobs in Thailand. However, upon leaving the country, they were diverted to Cambodia and forced to participate in fraudulent online schemes targeting foreigners, including romance scams and phishing operations.
Deceptive Travel Routes and Harsh Conditions
Three of the victims left the Philippines as tourists, while one reportedly used unofficial means to exit. One man shared his harrowing journey from Palawan to Kota Kinabalu by speedboat, then through Thailand and Myanmar before ending up in Cambodia. During this ordeal, he endured maltreatment, excessive working hours, and months without pay.
Eventually, he managed to escape and sought assistance from the Philippine Embassy. The other victims faced similar exploitation, highlighting the dangers of deceptive overseas job offers.
Government Response and Public Warning
The four men returned to Manila last Saturday via a Philippine Airlines flight from Phnom Penh. Immigration officials are currently investigating individuals connected to the trafficking network.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado condemned the crime, emphasizing, “Human trafficking remains one of the most insidious crimes affecting our people.” He added, “These victims were lured with lies and ended up stripped of their rights and dignity.”
Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when considering online job offers and to transact only with licensed recruitment agencies to avoid falling into similar traps.
For more news and updates on human trafficking, visit Filipinokami.com.
