The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working hard to rescue more than 100 Filipinos who were tricked into working for illegal crypto farms in Myanmar. Many of these Filipinos became victims of human trafficking, meaning they were tricked into taking fake jobs and were forced to work in dangerous conditions.
DFA’s Full Effort to Save the Victims
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega assured that the Philippine government is taking urgent action. Teams from the Philippine Embassies in Thailand and Myanmar are working together to bring these Filipinos home.
“The DFA, with our missions in Bangkok and Yangon, including all partner agencies, are doing everything we can to help these victims,” de Vega said.
To help Filipinos in danger, the DFA has 24/7 hotline numbers and Facebook Messenger accounts where they can ask for help. “Filipinos in distress should reach out to us immediately,” de Vega added.
Warning to Job Seekers: Be Careful of Job Offers in Thailand
De Vega warned Filipinos looking for jobs abroad to be very careful, especially in Southeast Asia. He strongly advised against taking jobs in Thailand without a legal work visa.
“It is illegal to come to Thailand on a tourist visa and start working without the proper permits,” he said.
Many illegal recruiters trick Filipinos by offering high-paying jobs in Thailand, only to send them to scam operations in Myanmar. The DFA is now working with Thailand and other countries to stop these scams and protect Filipinos from being victims.
Rescue Mission Updates
The DFA has already brought home 21 Filipinos from Myanmar through Thailand. Four more Filipinos are waiting for final approval from Thai authorities before they can return home.
Massive Human Trafficking Problem in Myanmar
According to the Bangkok Post, over 7,000 foreign workers from 28 countries are currently stuck in Myanmar after being forced to work for scam operations. Many of these illegal businesses are believed to be run by Chinese syndicates that have been trapping and exploiting workers from China, Thailand, the Philippines, and other countries for years.
What Filipinos Should Do
If you or someone you know is in trouble in Myanmar or Thailand, contact the Philippine Embassies immediately. The government is working non-stop to rescue victims and bring them home safely.
