MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government is set to repatriate at least 187 Filipinos from Myanmar as early as next week, following intensified diplomatic efforts and cooperation with Myanmar and Thailand authorities.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, Philippine officials are expediting the process to transfer the affected Filipinos from Myanmar to Thailand via the Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot. 

Once in Thailand, the Philippine Embassy will either arrange a chartered flight or transport them to Bangkok for immediate repatriation, it said.

“Because of our discussions with Myanmar authorities yesterday, they are accelerating the process, and it is possible that up to 187 will be allowed to cross the border next week,” De Vega said during a Senate hearing Tuesday. 

He added that Thailand requires governments to ensure that repatriated individuals are flown out within 24 hours of arrival.

Aside from the 187 confirmed for repatriation, the DFA has also requested Myanmar’s government to locate and rescue 62 more Filipinos still trapped in scamming compounds. 

Authorities estimate that around 50 Filipinos remain in these sites, which are often controlled by criminal syndicates operating beyond the jurisdiction of Myanmar’s central government.

The repatriation efforts come amid a regional crackdown on scam hubs, largely driven by pressure from China and Thailand. Authorities in these countries have cut off essential supplies such as electricity and internet to known trafficking hubs, forcing many illicit operations to shut down, it said.

“By mid-year, we expect these scam hubs in Myanmar to be completely closed, which means no more Filipinos should be lured there by false job offers,” De Vega said, urging Filipinos to verify overseas job contracts through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) before traveling abroad.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has led inquiries into human trafficking cases, welcomed the progress but emphasized the urgency of bringing home all stranded Filipinos. 

“Every Filipino is important, and we appreciate the DFA’s efforts to ensure our kababayans’ safe return,” she said.

The DFA continues to coordinate with Thai and Myanmar officials to facilitate the repatriation process while monitoring the movements of trafficking syndicates, which have reportedly begun shifting operations to other regions, including Africa.