The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed deep concerns over the plight of Filipinos who are being trafficked to Myanmar to work in scam hubs with little or no pay, in dire living conditions, and subjected to sexual abuse.

In a statement, the CHR raised the alarm against human trafficking and strengthened its call to intensify efforts toward the strengthened implementation and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws in the country. 

"This includes establishing robust support systems for victims -- not only to respond to such violations but also to prevent them -- and to uphold the rights and dignity of all," it said.

The CHR said that based on reports it gathered, online recruiters exploit messaging platforms and applications to deceive individuals into thinking they are getting hired as customer sales representatives or chat support agents overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia.

However, their victims -- Filipinos and other foreign nationals -- were trafficked to Myanmar. After being transported through the Thai border, they were forced to work in scam centers in Myawaddy, a known hotspot for online fraud operations, the CHR also said.

It lamented the chilling accounts from victims who were subjected to poor living conditions with little to no sanitation, limited healthcare, and inadequate food. Some have even been tortured or sexually abused, while others suffered physical abuse as punishment for failing to scam others, it also said.

With these reports, the CHR commended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for its "swift action" in repatriating over 200 Filipinos victimized by the said overseas employment scheme. 

The Commission also acknowledged the efforts of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and other relevant government agencies in prioritizing the welfare and safety of the victims, ensuring they receive the necessary support and protection upon their return to the country.

It reaffirmed the provisions of Republic Act No. 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA No. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, since these laws declare human trafficking as a criminal offense and a grave violation of human rights.

"As a cornerstone of our foreign policy, it is incumbent upon all duty-bearers to safeguard and advance the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos across the globe," the CHR said. 

"This obligation reinforces the universal nature of human rights, which all nations are duty-bound to respect and uphold. Indeed, the protection of human dignity knows no borders," it said.