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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DMW to repatriate 27 OFWs recruited to work for online scam syndicate in Cambodia

DMW to repatriate 27 OFWs recruited to work for online scam syndicate in Cambodia

Published Oct 11, 2023 04:24 am

A total of 27 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are set to be repatriated from Cambodia where they were duped into working for illegal online financial and phishing operations in the southeast Asian country, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Wednesday. Oct. 11.

DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac said a team from the department was already sent to Cambodia for the repatriation process, adding the team led by Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman left on Monday, Oct. 9.

“Our team will provide legal and financial assistance as well as psychological first aid to the rescued OFWs,” said Cacdac.

Based on the report received by the DMW, the victims entered Cambodia as tourists as early as January this year. They were informed that they would be working as tech support representatives but were forced to work in an online scamming facility in the O’Smach District located near the Thai border. 

“They were rescued with the help of the Cambodian National Police (CNP) on Tuesday, 26 September 2023. The CNP intercepted the convoy which was about to transport them from the O’Smach District to another online scamming facility in the coastal city of Sihanoukville,” said Cacdac.  

“This is yet another incident in the growing number of cases involving the illegal recruitment of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for illegal online financial operations,” he added.

The DMW and PE-Phnom Penh are working closely with Cambodia’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation in processing the cases of the 27 victims for their eventual repatriation. 

Consul-General Emma Sarne of PE-Phnom Penh said the victims are being supported with donations of food, snacks, and hygiene kits through the help of the Filipino community in Cambodia led by the Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia (SAMAPI), and the Philippine Eagles chapter of Phnom Penh. 

Sarne adds the Embassy is also working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the A21 Foundation, CARITAS Cambodia, and other partner agencies in the Philippines in extending assistance to the victims and facilitating their immediate return home. 

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