Myanmar has released 78 Filipinos detained for immigration offenses, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Saturday. The DFA stated they were victims of human trafficking linked to scam operations. The Philippine embassy in Yangon is facilitating their repatriation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Myanmar released 78 Filipinos who had been serving sentences for illegal entry and residency. This action came as a compassionate and humanitarian gesture by Myanmar authorities during their New Year festival, Thingyan, reflecting goodwill between the two nations.
"The Department expresses its appreciation to Myanmar authorities for this compassionate and humanitarian gesture," the DFA said in a statement. The Philippine embassy in Yangon is coordinating with Myanmar authorities to ensure the prompt, safe, and orderly repatriation of the 78 Filipinos.
The DFA reaffirmed its foreign policy on protecting Filipinos overseas, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers and law enforcement agencies to prosecute illegal recruiters. The DMW stated it is intensifying efforts against human trafficking and scam operations targeting overseas Filipino workers through a whole-of-government approach focused on victim protection, rescue operations, and trafficker prosecution.
