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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Return of 13 surrogate mothers from Cambodia is real justice in real time' -- DOJ Sec Remulla

'Return of 13 surrogate mothers from Cambodia is real justice in real time' -- DOJ Sec Remulla

Published Dec 29, 2024 08:46 am

The return to the Philippines of 13 surrogate mothers who were convicted in Cambodia "is the best way to end the year by delivering real justice for all in real time," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said on Sunday, Dec. 29.

"First, we have been able to negotiate and spare Mary Jane Veloso's life from death row” in Indonesia, Remulla said.

“Now, we welcome back home our 13 kababayans who fell victim to human traffickers,” said Remulla who is the chairperson of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

Remulla issued the statement following the arrival of the 13 Filipinas on Sunday, Dec. 29, along with three babies.

The IACAT had earlier said “the 13 Filipino mothers, along with the three babies, have been safely turned over to the protective care and custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, co-chairperson of the IACAT, for temporary shelter and appropriate intervention.”

The 13 mothers were among 20 Filipinas rounded up by the Cambodian government which conducted an operation against a syndicate that brings in foreign women to become surrogate mothers.

The seven Filipinas who did not get pregnant returned to the Philippines last Oct. 23, while the 13 mothers were convicted for violating Cambodia’s trafficking in persons law and sentenced to a two-year imprisonment.

“With the persistent efforts led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, a Royal Decree of pardon was granted by the Royal Government of Cambodia leading to the repatriation of the 13 Filipino surrogate mothers and three babies,” the IACAT said.

Meanwhile, the IACAT and the DOJ reminded Filipinos “to be cautious of offers that may seem too good to be true but could lead to exploitation.”

“You may report suspicious activities or potential human trafficking incidences to the DOJ and IACAT,” they advised.

Related Tags

surrogacy DOJ IACAT
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