Philippines Asks Foreign Governments for Aid – Scam Victims in SEA
Philippines Seeks International Aid to Rescue Filipinos Trapped in Southeast Asian Scam Hubs
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MANILA – The Philippine government is actively seeking assistance from foreign authorities to rescue its citizens believed to be held captive and forced to work in illegal call centers across mainland Southeast Asia. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Wednesday that it continues to receive distressing reports of Filipinos falling victim to human trafficking and being coerced into working in these illicit operations.
DFA’s Multi-pronged Approach to Rescue and Repatriation
The DFA, in collaboration with its Foreign Service Posts in key Southeast Asian nations including Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia, is dedicating notable efforts and resources to aid distressed Filipinos. The agency emphasized its persistent requests for cooperation from host country authorities to facilitate the rescue and repatriation of these victims.While specific figures on the number of affected Filipinos or the details of the reports received are yet to be released, the DFA assured the public of its unwavering commitment.Manila, in close coordination with the host countries, is steadfast to ensure the safe return of all Filipino trafficking victims exploited in the region’s illegal call centers.
Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers: A Call to Action
In light of these alarming developments, the DFA issued a crucial advisory to Filipinos planning to work abroad.It strongly urged them to adhere to the proper deployment procedures established by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant government agencies before their departure.
The agency also appealed to all Filipinos, both domestically and within the global Filipino communities, for their support in preventing all forms of recruitment and victimization. This includes raising awareness about schemes that lead to forced criminality and participation in scamming operations.
How to Report and Seek Assistance
For relatives of Filipinos who may be trapped in scam hubs, notably those near the Myanmar-Thailand border, the DFA has provided contact information for its embassies in the region.
Philippine Embassy in Yangon:
Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Hotline: +95 998 521 0991
Email: cfemail” data-cfemail=”d8a1b9b6bfb7b6a8bdf6b9acb698bcbeb9f6bfb7aef6a8b0″>[email protected]
Philippine Embassy in Bangkok:
assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Hotline: +66 81989 7116
Email: cfemail” data-cfemail=”2a484b444d414541045a4f6a4e4c4b044d455c045a42″>[email protected]
The DFA encourages anyone with verified information regarding their kin who might be victims of these illegal operations to reach out to the Philippine authorities immediately.