Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA - Seventy-eight Filipinos who fell victim to human trafficking and were compelled to work in online scam operations in Myanmar have been released, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Saturday.</p><p>In an official statement, the DFA said it “welcomes the release of seventy-eight (78) Filipinos who were detained for immigration-related offenses in Myanmar.&quot;</p><p>It added that the victims had previously been convicted for illegal entry and residency following their exploitation by criminal syndicates.</p><div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/17/another-batch-of-pinoy-repatriates-from-middle-east-set-to-arrive-saturday-1632"><strong>Another batch of Pinoy repatriates from Middle East set to arrive Saturday</strong></a></div><p> Arrangements are now underway to ensure their return to the Philippines, with the Philippine Embassy in Yangon taking the lead. </p><p>The DFA said the embassy is facilitating the “prompt, safe and orderly repatriation of the 78 Filipinos to the Philippines, in coordination with Myanmar authorities.”</p><p> The department reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Filipinos abroad, saying it “reaffirms its foreign policy pillar of protecting Filipino nationals overseas.” </p><p>It underscored that these efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers, while law enforcement agencies continue to pursue those responsible for illegally recruiting and trafficking Filipinos for unlawful employment overseas.</p><div>  </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/14/undocumented-ofws-to-face-no-negative-implications-on-return-owwa-1448"><strong>Undocumented OFWs to face no ‘negative implications’ on return—OWWA</strong></a></div><div> </div>

<p>Seventy-eight Filipinos who fell victim to human trafficking and were compelled to work in online scam operations in Myanmar have been released, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Saturday.</p>

Seventy-eight Filipinos who fell victim to human trafficking and were compelled to work in online scam operations in Myanmar have been released, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Saturday.

DFA: 78 Filipinos in scam centers freed in Myanmar, repatriation underway

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DFA: 78 Filipinos in scam centers freed in Myanmar, repatriation underway

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 18, 2026 09:16 PM PHT

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Filipinos

freed

Myanmar

trafficked

repatriation

scam centers

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