The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over multiple reports of Filipinos being trafficked into illegal scam hubs in Myanmar. According to accounts, online recruiters exploit messaging platforms and applications to deceive individuals with enticing promises of high-paying jobs overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Filipino victims—along with other foreign nationals—were reportedly lured with job offers as customer sales representatives or chat support agents, but were instead trafficked to Myanmar. After being transported through the Thai border, they were forced to work in scam centers in Myawaddy, a known hotspot for online fraud operations.
Victims who have since been rescued shared alarming accounts of dire living conditions, including inadequate food, poor sanitation, limited healthcare, and instances of torture and sexual abuse, as reported by various media outlets. In many cases, they also suffered physical abuse as punishment for failing to scam others.
The Commission reaffirms the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. These laws clearly declare human trafficking as a criminal offense and a grave violation of human rights.
As a cornerstone of our foreign policy, it is incumbent upon all duty-bearers to safeguard and advance the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos across the globe. This obligation reinforces the universal nature of human rights, which all nations are duty-bound to respect and uphold. Indeed, the protection of human dignity knows no borders.
Furthermore, the CHR underscores the importance of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, to which the Philippines is a State Party. This Protocol obligates States to provide protection and assistance to victims of trafficking, including essential support services such as counseling, shelter, education, healthcare, and psychological care.[1]
The CHR commends the swift action taken by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in repatriating over 200 Filipinos victimized by the said overseas employment scheme. We likewise acknowledge the efforts of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and other relevant government agencies in prioritizing the welfare and safety of the victims, ensuring they receive the necessary support and protection upon their return to the country.
As the country’s national human rights institution, the Commission reiterates its call to intensify efforts toward the strengthened implementation and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws in the country. This includes establishing robust support systems for victims—not only to respond to such violations but also to prevent them—and to uphold the rights and dignity of all. ###
[1] Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 15 November 2000, https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/Special/2000_Protocol_to_Prevent_2C_Suppress_and_Punish_Trafficking_in_Persons.pdf