20 Filipinas arrested in Cambodia over surrogacy scheme

October 10, 2024 , 10:10 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(October 10, 2024) – Twenty Filipinas were arrested in Cambodia last month for their involvement in an illegal surrogacy scheme, a government official confirmed on Thursday.

Florida Ann Camille Mayo, the Philippines’ ambassador to Cambodia, said 13 of the women were pregnant at the time of their apprehension.

“Nasa mabuti at ligtas na kalagayan naman sila. ‘Yung 13 nasa isang ospital sila sa Phnom Penh. Magkakasama sila sa isang ward,” said Mayo. “Mayroong nasa first trimester at ‘yung pinaka-late ay seven months (pregnant).”

The seven others are currently detained at a police station.

Mayo said the Filipinas were recruited as surrogates via social media, lured by promises of payment ranging from $11,000 to $45,000 or around P500,000 to P2.5 million.

The offers also included free flights to Cambodia, accommodations, and caregivers.

Surrogacy is when a woman, called a surrogate, carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple. This option is often chosen by people who cannot conceive due to medical issues or age, among others.

Surrogacy is prohibited in Cambodia. However, the country lacks specific laws that punish violators.

“May nag-engganyo na may ganitong klaseng opportunity, so sila (Filipinas) naman ay kumagat without understanding the consequences,” added Mayo.

She said some of the women are believed to have undergone in vitro fertilization or received injections in other Southeast Asian countries before being brought to Cambodia.

Mayo noted that they are looking into whether travel firms or employment agencies played a role in facilitating the departures of the women from the Philippines.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, an advocate for women’s and reproductive health, stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation.

“Grabe, tuloy-tuloy ang mga krimen, multiple crimes sa mga kababayan natin pati sa ibang bansa,” lamented Hontiveros.

The governments of the Philippines and Cambodia are now assessing the legal custody of the babies, while also working on the exit documents for the Filipinas.

(With reports from Reiniel Pawid, News5)

(PM)

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