In a swift and decisive action, the Philippine government, in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist Filipinos in distress, has successfully repatriated 40 Filipino human trafficking victims from Lagos, Nigeria.
Thirty-nine of the victims arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 on Monday afternoon via flight QR932. The group, consisting of individuals who were falsely lured with promises of legitimate employment, was rescued and brought back to the Philippines after months of being held against their will. One young mother, who recently gave birth while in detention, will remain in Lagos until she and her infant are fully recovered and cleared for travel.
The victims were among those arrested during a large-scale raid by the Nigerian government in December 2024, which targeted cryptocurrency and love scam operations. They had been promised jobs as customer service representatives with a salary of USD 1,000 for a six-month contract, including free board and lodging. Upon arrival, however, they were forced into illegal cyber scam activities and subjected to threats, exploitation, and the withholding of their passports.
The repatriation was the result of a coordinated “whole-of-government” effort led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), with crucial assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Abuja and the Honorary Consulate in Lagos. Their release was expedited after the victims entered a plea bargaining agreement, paving the way for the repatriation mission following a visit by DMW and Philippine Embassy officials on August 17.
Upon their arrival, the repatriated Filipinos were welcomed by a multi-agency team, including DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA) Chairperson Rep. Bryan Revilla.
Secretary Cacdac reiterated the Department’s commitment to ensuring a seamless reintegration for the victims back into their communities. “It is the order of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that you be able to start anew. It is our duty at the DMW to strengthen your resolve and courage so you can begin again,” he said.
Each victim received immediate and comprehensive support, including Php 50,000 in financial assistance from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, temporary accommodation from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and immediate medical and psychosocial services. They will also be referred to their respective local government units for further assistance.
Rep. Revilla, meanwhile underscored the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). “We will do what we need to do in the House of Representatives to ensure your rights are protected and cared for,” he stated.
The DMW reminds OFWs and job seekers to remain vigilant against illegal recruitment and human trafficking schemes. The Philippine government assures the public that it will continue to stand by its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers worldwide.
The whole-of-government team that secured the return of the victims includes the DFA, DMW, OWWA, HOR, DSWD, Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NNIC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
