MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is closely monitoring developments in Myawaddy, Myanmar, following law enforcement operations in scam hub compounds on October 20 that affected several foreign nationals, including Filipinos.

In a statement released Saturday, the DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Yangon has received 222 active requests for repatriation assistance from Filipinos in the affected areas. Of these, 66 have crossed into Thailand and are currently being processed by Thai authorities, while nine have reached Yangon and are under the Embassy’s custody.

The DFA said the Embassy is coordinating with Myanmar authorities to finalize deportation procedures for those detained in holding camps and to facilitate the rescue of those still trapped in scam hubs.

The Department added that the total number includes Filipinos arrested during the October 20 operations.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant agencies, remains committed to the safe repatriation of affected Filipinos through established Government-to-Government (G2G) channels,” the DFA said.

The DFA explained that the usual repatriation process involves the Philippine Embassies in Yangon and Bangkok jointly requesting clearance for the Filipinos to cross into Thailand and be repatriated from Bangkok. The clearance process typically takes three to four weeks.

Filipinos in scam hubs and their families seeking assistance may contact the Philippine Embassy in Yangon through the following hotlines:
📞 +959985210993
📞 +959985210998
📞 +959409883434 (Viber)
📞 +959985210996
📧 yangonpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph