By Gabriel Kim Leal
(May 2, 2025) – A Filipina who escaped from a scam operation in Myanmar said she was discouraged by fellow Filipinos from reporting the torture she and others experienced, believing the government in the Philippines would do little to help.
In an interview with News5, “Angel,” not her real name, shared a video of her Pakistani colleague being tortured in what was called a “punishment room” after allegedly trying to contact his country’s government.
The video showed that he was being kicked and electrocuted.
“Angel” said she secretly filmed the scene but was caught sending her GPS location to her sister for help. As punishment, she said she was made to stand barefoot on a wooden board lined with sharp spikes.
“Pag-apak mo pa lang doon kahit 30 seconds, masakit na. Kailangan ko siyang i-endure nang five minutes, umaabot pa ng isang buong araw nakatayo sa ganon,” said “Angel.”
She also witnessed another Filipina being burned with a lighter simply for missing a day of work.
According to “Angel,” instead of offering help, Filipino recruiters working with Chinese employers in the scam hub discouraged the victims from reporting their ordeal.
“Huwag na raw ako gumawa ng report kasi wala rin naman daw mangyayari. Hindi naman daw umaaksyon ang ahensya ng gobyerno sa Pilipinas,” added “Angel.”
She and three of her recruiters were repatriated to the Philippines last April. Authorities arrested the recruiters as soon as they arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“Angel” was among more than 170 Filipinos rescued in Myanmar after seeking help from the government. Many of them were reportedly held for ransom by their Chinese employers before being released.
Authorities said human traffickers use Thailand as an entry point for Filipinos who end up in scam compounds across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
The Bureau of Immigration said it is now closely monitoring Filipinos traveling to Thailand.
(With reports from Reiniel Pawid, News)
(PM)
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