MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen Filipino surrogates convicted for violating Cambodia’s anti-human trafficking laws have been repatriated to the Philippines following a royal pardon granted by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, facilitated their repatriation after their conviction on December 2. 

The pardon, issued on December 26, 2024, allowed for their release and immediate return to Manila.

The DFA expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, for the humanitarian treatment extended to the Filipino surrogates throughout the investigation and judicial proceedings.

“This safe homecoming underscores the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Cambodia and highlights both nations’ commitment to addressing human trafficking and other transnational crimes,” the DFA stated.

The department also issued a reminder to the public that surrogacy remains illegal in Cambodia, with violations subject to severe legal consequences.

The 13 Filipino women were found guilty by a Cambodian court on December 2 for breaching the country’s anti-human trafficking law. 

They were handed a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended.

They were part of a group of 24 foreign nationals apprehended by Cambodian authorities in September on charges of attempted cross-border human trafficking.

Cambodia has outlawed surrogacy practices since 2016.