More than 300 Filipinos have finally been rescued from scam hubs in Myanmar — a heartbreaking yet powerful revelation shared in John Consulta’s report on 24 Oras.
But amid the returning survivors, authorities discovered something alarming.
Three of the 346 repatriated Filipinos were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Not as victims… but as suspected recruiters working with the very syndicates that trapped their fellow Filipinos.
They were promised legitimate jobs abroad — in hotels, in IT companies, in stable industries.
But behind those promises were scam hubs hidden deep in Myanmar.
NBI Human Trafficking Division chief Agent Sally Laguardia said the victims themselves pointed to the three suspects.
“Based on the sworn statements of the victims, they identified these individuals as their recruiters,” she said.
Out of the repatriated workers, three were arrested and at least 16 victims filed complaints.
And it gets even more heartbreaking.
According to the NBI, some of those arrested had already risen to high positions within the scam hubs.
They became HR personnel — recruiting more Filipinos from the Philippines and even from Thailand.
“Sa tagal nila roon, sila na ang HR,” said Agent Jimmy de Leon.
“They entice our kababayans with high pay.”
The operation sheds light on a critical detail:
Human trafficking is borderless.
NBI Director Atty. Lito Magno explained that even if the recruitment happened entirely abroad, suspects can still be charged in the Philippines.
“Alam namin minsan pag-asa ang pinupuntahan,” he said, acknowledging why many Filipinos take the risk of working overseas.
“But if you return as victims, your government will fight for justice.”
The suspects are now facing charges under the Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act and the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.
They have not issued any statement.
A Warning to All Filipinos Planning to Work Abroad
The NBI reminded the public to be extra cautious when accepting jobs overseas.
“Let’s be careful,” Magno urged.
“They promise high salaries, show beautiful workplaces… pero hindi lahat totoong oportunidad.”
Magno stressed the importance of recognizing red flags:
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Recruiters using “backdoor” routes
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Ocean crossings via suspicious boats
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Being transported through unusual or illegal paths
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Feeling unsafe or sensing something is wrong
“Kapag may kakaiba, pairalin ang self-preservation,” he said.
As the rescued Filipinos begin their journey back to normal life, their stories serve as a powerful reminder:
Not all opportunities abroad are real.
And sometimes, the most dangerous traps are hidden behind promises of a better life.
