A total of 346 Filipino victims of human trafficking from illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in Myanmar have safely returned to the Philippines on November 12 through a large-scale repatriation mission led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Migrant Workers Office in Bangkok, Thailand, and OWWA’s Rapid Response Team from the central office, which was deployed to Thailand to oversee the victims’ welfare and assist in their documentation. From the moment of their release in Myanmar, officials from OWWA and DMW ensured the group’s safety and provided immediate medical and welfare support.
While in Thailand, the repatriated Filipinos were housed in temporary accommodations arranged by OWWA and DMW, where they were provided with food, medical checkups, and immigration assistance before their flight home.
Upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, representatives from OWWA, DMW, and other government agencies welcomed them to ensure proper turnover and swift assistance. After arrival briefings and profiling, those from distant provinces were given free hotel lodging and transportation while waiting for their connecting flights.
