Philippine nationals linked to online scams repatriated

THREE Philippine nationals involved in online gambling, online scams and oth­er crimes in Myawady Township, Kayin State, were repatriated to their home country through the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge II on 20 October, in line with legal procedures, on humanitarian grounds and in the spirit of friendly rela­tions between the two countries.

Myanmar officials met departmental personnel and inspected records and data to ensure their accuracy and complete­ness and facilitate a smooth handover.

Between 30 January 2025 and 20 October 2026, authorities in Myawady Township detained 15,293 foreign nation­als who had illegally entered Myanmar. After screening, 14,103 were repatriated to their home countries via Thailand un­der legal procedures.

Of the 1,190 foreign nationals re­maining, 471 had been prosecuted under Sections 3(1) and 13(1) of the Myanmar Immigration (Emergency Provisions) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The remaining 719 are ready to be transferred to their respec­tive countries and are being properly cared for.

The State is actively cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries and international organizations to identify and arrest those involved in online scam centres, including foreign nationals di­recting such activities behind the scenes, and take effective and stringent legal action against them. It is also coordinat­ing efforts to repatriate foreign nationals facing difficulties for various reasons, including victims of human trafficking, to their respective countries as soon as possible, according to the news release. — MNA/KZL