Third batch of trafficked Myanmar nationals returns home from Philippines

 

June 16

 

On 14 June, a group of six Myanmar nationals comprising the third batch of Myanmar nationals, returned to Myanmar. These individuals had been victims of trafficking and were forced to work in an online gaming company located near Mabalacat City in Pampanga Province, the Philippines. The Embassy of Myanmar in the Philippines provided this information.

 

Following a tip-off, the Philippine National Police conducted an anti-trafficking operation on the night of 4 May. As a result, a total of 1,137 foreign individuals, including 42 Myanmar nationals, were rescued from the aforementioned gaming company.

 

The first batch of returnees, consisting of 15 men and five women, arrived in Myanmar on 27 May. Subsequently, on 2 June, the second batch, comprising nine men and six women, also returned safely.

 

However, there is still one Myanmar national who remains in the Philippines as a key witness in an ongoing court case against the online gaming company, along with other foreign individuals. The Myanmar Embassy has stated that this individual will only be able to return to Myanmar once the court reaches a final decision. — TWA/MKKS