125 Pinoy victims of illegal cyber scam centers in Laos repatriated

A total of 125 Filipinos who fell victim to illegal cyber scam centers in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Laos have been repatriated in seven days since August 24, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The repatriation was conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane following a crackdown by Lao authorities on illegal activities in GTSEZ in Bokeo Province in Laos, the DFA said in a news release on Friday.

"The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane and the Rapid Response Team of the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs have been working round-the-clock, in cooperation with Lao authorities, for the rescue and extraction, processing of travel documents and exit clearances, and the smooth and unimpeded repatriation of the Filipino workers," it said.

The Filipinos were provided accommodation in Bokeo and Vientiane and given medical attention, the embassy said.

Transit airport assistance was also given by the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok in coordination with their Office of the Police Attaché.

Philippine Ambassador to Laos Deena Joy Amatong encouraged the Filipinos to cooperate with authorities upon their return to the Philippines in order to prevent illegal recruitment, human trafficking and undocumented work.

The embassy said it continues to provide support and assistance to Filipinos in distress seeking help.

It also said it is working with the Lao government to ensure Filipinos still remaining in the GTSEZ are protected.

Nearly 800 persons were arrested recently over a cyber scam network in Laos.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) last week said it will seek the assistance of the Department of Justice to identify and file appropriate charges against the recruiters of dozens of Filipinos who were among those arrested in Laos' crackdown on the cyber scam network.

The DMW said last Wednesday that at least 52 Filipino human trafficking victims in Laos have so far been repatriated by the Philippine government. —KG, GMA Integrated News