More than 200 Filipinos have cried out for help after finding themselves trapped in scam farm operations across Myanmar, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Sunday.
According to the DFA, as of October 24, 2025, the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar has received 222 active requests for assistance from Filipinos stranded in so-called “scam hub” areas.
Of these, 66 Filipinos have managed to escape and cross into Thailand, while nine others are now safely under the embassy’s custody in Yangon.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other agencies, remains committed to the safe repatriation of affected Filipinos,” the DFA said in a statement.
“We continue to work closely with Myanmar and Thai authorities to speed up the process.”
Diplomats are currently negotiating with local officials to finalize deportation procedures for Filipinos in holding camps and to rescue more victims still trapped inside scam compounds.
Authorities have also stepped up monitoring in Myawaddy, Myanmar — one of the known scam hub areas — following a major crackdown by local law enforcement on October 20.
A Growing Human Crisis
Over the past three years, traffickers have preyed on Filipinos and other foreign nationals, luring them with promises of legitimate jobs — only to force them into online scam operations.
The United Nations has sounded the alarm, warning that the situation in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia has now escalated into a humanitarian and human rights crisis.
Many victims are kidnapped, sold, and transferred between fraudulent networks, enduring harsh conditions and psychological trauma while being forced to scam people online.
Government’s Call for Caution
The DFA is urging all Filipinos seeking work abroad to follow proper foreign employment procedures through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to avoid falling into the same trap.
For Filipinos in Myanmar or families of those who are stranded, the DFA has provided the following hotlines for urgent assistance and repatriation requests:
📞 +959985210993
📞 +959985210998
📱 Viber: +959409883434 / +959985210996
📧 Email: yangonpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph
