PH embassy rescues 50 illegally recruited OFWs in Cambodia

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were recruited to work illegally in Cambodia have been rescued by the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Friday.

The OFWs, who fell victim to online scamming and catfishing in Cambodia, were rescued between January and September this year, the DFA added.

Catfishing is the act of luring an individual using a false personal profile.

READ: Illegal recruiters know no pandemic, continue to prey on OFWs

“The Embassy and the DFA have issued warnings to Filipinos not to accept online job offers that promise a large paycheck but with unverified companies and vague employment details,” the DFA said in a statement.

The OFWs have already returned to the Philippines after the DFA coordinated with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

READ: Illegal recruiters busted by victims at POEA

In July, POEA issued Advisory No. 44 which states that the processing of direct hire applications for the business processing sector in Cambodia has been suspended to stop illegal recruitment.

Last year, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh saved 61 OFWs who were illegally recruited through online scams.

READ: National action plan emerging vs illegal recruitment

KGA