Following a military raid on a major scam center in Myanmar, 222 Filipinos trapped in cybercrime operations have requested help from the Philippine government to return home. The Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with local authorities to facilitate their safe repatriation. As of October 24, many have fled to Thailand or reached the Philippine embassy in Yangon.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that 222 Filipinos, forced into labor at scam hubs in Myanmar, have sought repatriation assistance. This development follows a military raid on KK Park, one of the largest cybercrime centers near the Thai border town of Myawaddy. The operation, reported by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, is part of broader efforts launched last month to combat rebel groups, curb illegal border crossings, and dismantle online financial fraud and gambling networks.
As of October 24, the Philippine embassy in Yangon has received 222 active requests for help. Of these, 66 individuals have crossed into Thailand, while nine have made it to Yangon and are now under the embassy's custody. The DFA emphasized its commitment, stating: “The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and other relevant agencies, remains committed to the safe repatriation of affected Filipinos through established government-to-government channels and continues to work with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to expedite the process.”
The embassy is collaborating with Myanmar officials to complete deportation procedures for those in holding camps and to rescue others still confined in scam compounds. It is also monitoring the situation in Myawaddy after operations conducted on October 20. Filipinos or their families seeking assistance can contact the embassy via hotlines +959985210993, +959985210998, +959409883434 (Viber), +959985210996, or email [email protected].
This incident highlights the dangers faced by overseas workers in scam operations, with the Philippine government prioritizing their extraction amid ongoing regional security efforts.