The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines recently expressed concern about the frequent travel of nationals to other Asian countries to engage in work related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), and issued a warning to be vigilant against illegal recruitment scams.
At a presidential press conference, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval revealed that at least 118 Filipinos have been recruited into scam centers disguised as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies to perform illegal work. She stated that these scam centers primarily target Filipinos with BPO or POGO work experience, luring them with high salaries and other attractive conditions.
Sandoval pointed out that these scam centers are mainly located in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and similar to POGO operations, but are not limited to these countries. Many victims, unaware, accept the jobs due to the high salary of up to 50,000 Philippine pesos per month, along with free airfare, accommodation, and meals, only to find themselves trapped in scams upon arrival.
"Many Filipinos realize they are in trouble only after arriving at the location, where their passports are confiscated, and they are even forcibly taken to other countries or regions, possibly being forced to cross dangerous areas by boat, and eventually placed in closed compounds in remote areas," Sandoval disclosed.
According to descriptions from rescued repatriated individuals, scam centers usually have different areas, some of which indeed carry out normal BPO operations, while others are dedicated to scam activities. Filipinos assigned to scam centers who fail to meet work quotas may even be subjected to beatings.
Moreover, these victims are often forced to pay a "ransom" of 400,000 to 500,000 Philippine pesos to gain their freedom. This form of "debt bondage" makes it difficult for them to escape, further exacerbating their plight.
Sandoval emphasized that the BI has intelligence that many illegal recruitment activities are conducted inside BPO companies, initially arranging victims to work as customer service representatives, but eventually transferring them to scam centers. Currently, some individuals involved in illegal recruitment have been arrested and are facing legal charges.
"Although we have interception measures at airports, as long as these illegal recruitment organizations continue to operate, scam activities will not stop. Especially as these POGO-like enterprises expand in multiple countries, the number of victims will continue to increase," she stated, adding that authorities will continue to strengthen law enforcement and prosecute related personnel.
Winston Casio, Director and Spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), also urged Filipinos not to be deceived by promises of high-paying jobs abroad to avoid dangerous situations.
"If PAOCC finds Filipinos involved in scam center operations, we will also bring criminal charges against them," Casio warned.
Government agencies are continuously intensifying efforts to combat these transnational scam traps and urge citizens to be vigilant when seeking overseas employment to avoid becoming victims of criminal groups.
