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13 Filipino surrogates convicted in Cambodia now back in PH —DFA
The 13 Filipino surrogates who were convicted in Cambodia for human trafficking were granted royal pardon and have arrived in Manila on Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
"All 13 women departed Phnom Penh and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on 26 December 2024," the DFA said in a statement.
DFA: Upon the request of the Philippine Embassy and with the endorsement of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Royal Decree pardoning all 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation. @gmanews @dzbb
— Beatrice (@beatricepinlac) December 28, 2024
The surrogates were convicted on December 2 by a court in Cambodia for violating the country's law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking. They were sentenced to four years in jail.
"Upon the request of the Philippine Embassy and with the endorsement of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Royal Decree pardoning all 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation," the DFA said.
"The Philippine Government thanks the Royal Government of Cambodia headed by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Prime Minister Hun Manet for the humanitarian treatment extended to the Filipino mothers throughout the investigative and judicial processes," it said.
"Their safe homecoming is a testament to the longstanding friendly relations between the Philippines and Cambodia and the firm commitment of both governments to combat human trafficking and other transnational crimes," the DFA added.
The surrogates' homecoming was facilitated by the DFA in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh and the member agencies of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said last Dec. 4 that one of the women had already given birth.
The DFA then reminded Filipinos that surrogacy is prohibited in Cambodia. Those found guilty may face two to 20 years imprisonment, according to Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Camille Mayo last October. —KG, GMA Integrated News
