Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the safety of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has successfully chartered a flight to repatriate 191 Filipino human trafficking victims from various regions in Cambodia.
The group is scheduled to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on February 5, 2026, via Philippine Airlines Flight No. 2P9222.
The repatriates were rescued from several locations across Cambodia, including:
-
Phnom Penh: 169 individuals
-
Pailin: 13 individuals
-
Koh Kong: 3 individuals
-
Svay Rieng: 3 individuals
-
Mondulkiri: 2 individuals
-
Siem Reap: 1 individual
The mission was led by DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi and the DMW Rapid Response Team (RRT). This operation was made possible through the joint efforts of the DMW Migrant Workers Office in Singapore and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), represented by the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh under the leadership of Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo.
Upon arrival, the repatriates will receive “whole-of-government” assistance to ensure their smooth transition and recovery:
| Agency | Type of Assistance Provided |
| DMW & OWWA | Immediate financial aid and welfare assistance |
| DOH | Medical check-ups and healthcare services |
| DSWD | Psychosocial support and counseling |
| DMW-MWPB & IACAT | Legal assistance for filing cases against traffickers |
“The safety of our OFWs is non-negotiable. This repatriation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing battle against human trafficking,” said the DMW.
Since 2022, the Philippine government has successfully repatriated a total of 877 OFWs from Cambodia, highlighting a continuous commitment to protecting Filipinos from exploitative labor practices and illegal recruitment syndicates.
