April 20, 2026
MANILA – Myanmar has released 78 trafficked Filipinos who were detained for alleged illegal entry and residency, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
In a statement on Saturday, the DFA confirmed that Myanmar authorities approved the release of 27 women and 51 men who were rescued from scam hubs in Myawaddy.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the release of seventy-eight (78) Filipinos who were detained for immigration-related offenses in Myanmar,” the DFA said.
READ: 78 Filipinos in Myanmar prison; 18 still awaiting rescue in scam hubs
Following their release, the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar began arranging the return of the Filipinos.
“The Philippine Embassy in Yangon is currently facilitating the prompt, safe and orderly repatriation of the 78 Filipinos to the Philippines, in coordination with Myanmar authorities,” the DFA added.
Further, the DFA expressed gratitude to Myanmar for the development.
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It said: “The Department expresses its appreciation to Myanmar authorities for this compassionate and humanitarian gesture, made during the Myanmar New Year (Thingyan), which reflects the goodwill between Myanmar and the Philippines.”
The 78 Filipinos were allegedly trafficked into scam hubs in Myanmar after being promised legitimate overseas employment. After their rescue from the scam centers, they were sentenced to one year in prison for illegal entry and overstaying. /dl