MANILA – The Philippine government assured the families of the 14 Filipinos rescued from a scam compound in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region that it is exerting all efforts to ensure their safe return home.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said its Embassies in Bangkok and Yangon are actively coordinating with both Thai and Myanmar authorities to secure the necessary clearances for the repatriation of the rescued individuals.

“The Philippine government wishes to assure the families of the 14 Filipinos rescued from Hexin, and all those concerned for their well-being, that all efforts are being exerted towards their safe return back to our country,” the statement read.

Officials said the repatriation process has been delayed due to the “extraordinarily large number of different nationals” currently stranded in the border area between Thailand and Myanmar.

“In the meantime, our diplomatic personnel have also sought the assistance of our contacts on the ground to extend welfare assistance to the Filipinos,” the statement added.

The government called for “patience and guarded discretion” as it continues efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of the rescued Filipinos.