THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday announced the repatriation of 30 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) illegally recruited and turned into online scammers in Myanmar.
In a statement, the DMW reported that the 30 OFWs initially recruited as customer sales representatives in Myanmar arrived in the country on early Tuesday at Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Thirty Filipino victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking in Myanmar were safely repatriated by the Philippine government and are now being assisted,” said DMW.
To recall, the Filipino victims were recruited through WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram to work as customer sales representatives in Myanmar. The employment opportunities later turned out to be as online scammers in Myanmar.
The DMW said the OFWs were given immediate assistance, including psychosocial services and financial aid amounting to P50,000 from DMW and another P10,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
The OFWs are also set to be linked with reintegration programs and upskilling training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The DMW said the repatriated OFWs will also be provided with legal assistance.
Meanwhile, the DMW said an additional 176 Filipino victims are expected to arrive this morning via a chartered flight.
