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The Philippine government has recently succeeded in repatriating 53 suspected victims of human trafficking from Cambodia, among whom two require emergency medical treatment due to poor health conditions.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) issued a statement noting that the group of victims arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Manila on Friday, flying in from Phnom Penh, Cambodia via Philippine Airlines. Upon arrival, the Department of Health and the airport's medical team immediately conducted health checks.
Authorities’ investigations revealed that the victims were recruited via online platforms, with syndicates luring them by promising high-paying jobs — monthly salaries of $600 to $1,000 and legal work visas — to entice them to work in Cambodia. However, upon arrival, they were forced to participate in online "romance scams" and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, and suffered verbal and physical abuse.
One of the victims disclosed that the syndicate demanded they meet a daily quota of at least 26 "romance scam" clients, or face punishments such as being forced to do 300 push-ups, being starved, or having their wages withheld.
The victims also stated that when they attempted to resign or leave, the syndicate not only threatened to kill them but also intimidated their families to prevent their escape.
Among the 53 individuals, two are in more serious condition: one is suffering from kidney failure, and the other sustained a clavicle fracture due to a car accident. Both have been transferred to Department of Health hospitals to receive free treatment.
The Department of Migrant Workers stated that all rescued persons will receive comprehensive assistance, including psychological counseling, rehabilitation and reintegration programs, as well as help returning to their respective hometowns.
Authorities’ investigations revealed that the victims were recruited via online platforms, with syndicates luring them by promising high-paying jobs — monthly salaries of $600 to $1,000 and legal work visas — to entice them to work in Cambodia. However, upon arrival, they were forced to participate in online "romance scams" and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, and suffered verbal and physical abuse.
One of the victims disclosed that the syndicate demanded they meet a daily quota of at least 26 "romance scam" clients, or face punishments such as being forced to do 300 push-ups, being starved, or having their wages withheld.
The victims also stated that when they attempted to resign or leave, the syndicate not only threatened to kill them but also intimidated their families to prevent their escape.
Among the 53 individuals, two are in more serious condition: one is suffering from kidney failure, and the other sustained a clavicle fracture due to a car accident. Both have been transferred to Department of Health hospitals to receive free treatment.
The Department of Migrant Workers stated that all rescued persons will receive comprehensive assistance, including psychological counseling, rehabilitation and reintegration programs, as well as help returning to their respective hometowns.