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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 2 Filipino 'victims of human trafficking' repatriated from Laos -- BI

2 Filipino 'victims of human trafficking' repatriated from Laos -- BI

Published Mar 24, 2026 12:37 pm
Two Filipinos, who were forced to work as “scammers” in Laos, have been repatriated to the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Tuesday, March 24.
The BI said the two Filipinos, both males, arrived in the Philippines last March 20 from Vientiane, Laos.
It said they were offered jobs in Japan and were recruited through Facebook and Telegram.
“The victims disclosed that they were recruited with promises of legitimate employment abroad, particularly as a waiter and a farm worker, with an expected monthly salary ranging from P40,000 to P60,000,” it also said.
They departed the Philippines in 2025 through an irregular migration corridor, more commonly known as “backdoor” exit via the waters of Zamboanga, and thus evaded official immigration controls, the BI said.
“Upon arrival in Laos, however, they were forced to work as ‘love scammers,’ targeting foreign nationals in online romance schemes,” it said.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado has assured that the bureau has enhanced a close watch on routes that could be exploited by human trafficking syndicates.
"We commit to provide information on illegal routes that victims might have taken, to allow the local government units and law enforcement agencies to conduct tightening of security in emerging hotspots," he said.
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