MANILA – Fifty-three Filipinos who were allegedly trafficked and forced to work in online scam operations in Cambodia returned to the Philippines on Friday, government officials said.
The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that the group arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 aboard a flight operated by Philippine Airlines from Phnom Penh.
Authorities said the Filipinos were recruited online with promises of attractive salaries and valid employment visas. Instead of legitimate work, they were allegedly forced into fraudulent schemes targeting foreign victims.
The DMW said the recruits were contacted through the messaging platform Telegram and offered monthly pay ranging from USD 600 to USD 1,000.
One victim disclosed that employees were required to contact at least 26 potential victims daily as part of romance and investment scams. Those who failed to reach the quota reportedly faced punishment, including physical exercises, food deprivation, and unpaid salaries.
Two members of the group required urgent medical care upon arrival. One was suffering from kidney failure while another sustained a fractured clavicle in a road accident.
Health teams from the Department of Health and the Manila International Airport Authority assessed the returnees at the airport, while the two injured individuals were referred to nearby government hospitals for treatment.
A survivor recounted being recruited by a person known as “Gigi,” who assured him that the employment process was legitimate.
However, once they reached Cambodia, the workers discovered they were being forced to engage in scams involving fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency investments.
“We had to gain someone’s trust first and then persuade them to invest, like a love scam,” the victim said.
He added that attempts to leave the compound were met with serious threats.
“When we tried to resign, they threatened to kill us and even harm our families if we attempted to escape,” he said.
The government assured that the returning Filipinos will receive psychosocial counseling, reintegration programs, and transportation assistance to help them return safely to their respective provinces.
elamigo/xf
