THE Philippine Embassy in Laos has been actively assisting Filipinos who have fallen victim to scams, repatriating over 240 individuals since 2021, including 160 this year alone.
Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong revealed that many Filipinos have been illegally recruited or trafficked to work in scam centers in Laos.
“The embassy has been responding to the needs of Filipino victims, primarily by facilitating their repatriation,” she said.
The embassy’s efforts come amidst a growing concern about human trafficking within ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to raise this issue during the 44th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which he will attend in Laos until October 11.
The Philippine government is working with other ASEAN nations to address human trafficking, recognizing its prevalence across the region.
While the majority of the estimated 2,000 Filipinos in Laos are professionals, such as teachers, educators, accountants, and lawyers, the embassy’s focus on assisting scam victims highlights the ongoing challenges posed by human trafficking and online scams.
