The 187 scam hub victims in Myanmar may be able to return home next week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Ongoing Rescue Operations
During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said that the repatriation process is being arranged. The DFA plans to help them cross the Friendship Bridge to Mae Sot, Thailand.
From there, they will be picked up by the Philippine Embassy in Thailand and possibly flyed from Mae Sot or brought to Bangkok to return home.
Many More Need to Be Saved
Apart from the 187 victims, there are 50-62 more Filipinos in Myanmar who still need to be rescued. Many are leaving the Philippines using the backdoor exit in the Southern part of the country, because it is difficult to pass through airport checkpoints.
DFA Warning to Filipinos
The DFA reminded Filipinos to ensure the legitimacy of job offers before accepting them. They can check this with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
According to De Vega, scam hubs in Myanmar are likely to close down within a few months due to the joint crackdown by Thailand, Myanmar, and China. However, there is a possibility that scam hubs will move to other countries.
