In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), online scammers arrested by authorities squat in a building in Sihanoukville province, southwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. - AKP via AP
MANILA, July 16 (Bernama-PNA) -- The Philippine government has appealed to foreign authorities for assistance in rescuing Filipinos believed to be trapped and forced to work in illegal call centres across mainland South-East Asia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had announced.
According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the agency said it continues to receive reports of alleged Filipino human trafficking victims forced to work in scam hubs.
"In response, the DFA works with its Foreign Service Posts, especially in Mainland Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia), to persistently devote efforts and resources in extending all possible assistance to our Filipinos in distress, while requesting the authorities of the host countries for their invaluable cooperation,” it said.
The agency has yet to provide specific details regarding the number of distressed Filipinos or the reports it has received so far.
It, however, assured the public that Manila, in coordination with the Filipinos’ host countries, is "committed to the rescue and repatriation of all Filipino trafficking victims that are working in illegal call centres in the region.” - Bernama-PNA
