At least 189 Filipinos remain trapped in scam compounds controlled by Border Guard Force (BGF) allied with Myanmar junta, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday.
These scam hubs are part of a broader network of Chinese-run cyber scam hubs operating in Myanmar’s conflict-ridden border regions. Foreign nationals, including Filipinos, are trafficked into these compounds and forced to carry out online fraud schemes.
In a related development, 14 Filipinos were recently rescued from the Hexin compound in Myawaddy, a notorious scam enclave reportedly controlled by the insurgent Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and operated by Chinese criminal syndicates.
‘The Philippine government wishes to assure the families of the 14 Filipinos rescued from Hexin, and all those concerned for their well-being, that all efforts are being exerted towards their safe return back to our country,’ DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said in a statement. The rescued individuals are currently undergoing repatriation procedures.
The DFA emphasized that Philippine embassies in Bangkok and Yangon are actively coordinating with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to secure the necessary clearances for the safe passage of affected nationals. However, the process has been complicated by the sheer number of foreign trafficking victims stranded in the border area.
A recent report by the Thai Enquirer estimates that between 200 and 300 victims from various countries remain trapped in scam compounds in Myawaddy township.
These facilities are allegedly protected by the BGF and run by Chinese syndicates. Victims are often lured with promises of legitimate employment, only to be detained, abused, and coerced into cybercrime operations targeting global victims.
The report also details harrowing conditions inside the compounds, including physical abuse, threats, and inhumane treatment.
Some victims are reportedly sold multiple times between operators. International human rights groups and regional governments have called for urgent, coordinated action to dismantle the trafficking networks and rescue those still held.
In the meantime, the DFA said it has mobilized contacts on the ground to provide welfare assistance to the stranded Filipinos.
‘The situation and the safety of our nationals appreciate an abundance of patience and guarded discretion,’ Escalona said, underscoring the sensitive nature of the ongoing rescue efforts.
Families of those affected are encouraged to remain in contact with the DFA for updates. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Filipino nationals caught in these transnational trafficking networks.