This general view shows the city skyline and a high-rise building (L) under construction in Phnom Penh on November 20, 2024. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The thirteen Filipino women convicted of violating Cambodia’s surrogacy ban are finally back in the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed on Sunday.
In a statement, the DFA said the return of the 13 Filipino surrogate mothers was made possible in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
“All 13 departed Phnom Penh and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on December 26, 2024,” said the DFA.
“Upon the request of the Philippine Embassy and with the endorsement of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Royal Decree pardoning all 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation,” it added.
The Philippine government, through the DFA, thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for the humanitarian treatment extended to Filipino mothers throughout investigative and judicial processes.
“Their safe homecoming is a testament to the longstanding friendly relations between the Philippines and Cambodia and the firm commitment of both governments to combat human trafficking and other transnational crimes,” the DFA emphasized.
For its part, the department reminded Filipinos that surrogacy is banned in Cambodia and any violation is punishable under Cambodian laws.
The thirteen Filipinas convicted of violating Cambodia’s surrogacy ban were reportedly recruited online, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh previously disclosed.
According to Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille Mayo, the Filipinas were promised $10,000 for their “services.”