176 Filipino human trafficking victims repatriated from Myanmar – DFA
Returnees assessed by San Lorenzo Ruiz Gen. Hospital, Las Piñas Gen. Hospital, and National Center for Mental Health staff upon arrival. Photo from Department of Health/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 176 Filipino human trafficking victims in Myanmar were successfully repatriated on Wednesday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In a statement, the DFA said the successful repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) comes after a week-long shuttle visit of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega to Myanmar and Thailand.
The DFA said De Vega’s representation prompted swift action from Myanmar and Thai authorities, allowing the Filipinos to safely cross from Myawaddy, Myanmar, to Mae Sot, Thailand.
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“The Philippine government is unwavering in its commitment to protecting Filipinos abroad. This successful operation reaffirms the country as the gold standard in migration protection mechanisms, ensuring that overseas Filipinos, particularly those identified as alleged victims of human trafficking, receive the prompt support and assistance needed,” said the DFA.
“At the same time, the government wishes to reiterate its advice to all Filipinos to pass through the proper deployment procedures of the concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Migrant Workers, before leaving the country for overseas employment,” it added.
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Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) provided medical and psychosocial services to the repatriated OFWs.
In a Facebook post, DOH said that its personnel from San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, Las Piñas General Hospital, and the National Center for Mental Health attended to the medical needs of the repatriates.
Thirty Filipino human trafficking victims were successfully brought home on March 25, making them the first batch of repatriates from Myanmar.
