PH embassy to aid Pinoys used in scams in Lao PDR —envoy

VIENTIANE - The Philippine envoy to Lao PDR said that the embassy has been proactive in assisting Filipinos who have been victimized by scams. 

Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR Deena Joy Amatong said that since 2021, over 240 Filipinos have been repatriated amid the prevalence of online scams in the country. 

Of that number, around 160 have been repatriated this year, according to Amatong. 

“Mayroon ho tayong mga Filipinos na illegally recruit o natraffic para magtrabaho sa scam centers,” Amatong said in an interview. 

(There are Filipinos who were illegally recruited or trafficked to work in scam centers.) 

“Ang embassy po ay tumugon naman sa pangangailangan nitong mga biktimang Pilipino so the Philippine Embassy has responded to their requests for assistance, primarily repatriation,” she added. 

(The embassy has been responding to the needs of Filipino victims so the Philippine Embassy has responded to their requests for assistance, primarily repatriation.) 

Amatong said there are around 2,000 Filipinos in Laos who are mostly professionals, particularly teachers, educators, accountants, and lawyers. 

Earlier, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would raise the issue of human trafficking during the 44th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits. 

Human trafficking has been prevalent in ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. 

Espiritu had said the government has been working with other ASEAN nations to address the issue. 

Marcos will be in Lao PDR until October 11, Friday to participate in the Summit and Related Summits. —LDF, GMA Integrated News