THE Philippine government has successfully repatriated thirty-nine (39) Filipino human trafficking victims from Lagos, Nigeria who were arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on 18 August 2025 via flight QR932.
According to Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac during his visit in Nigeria he met the young Filipina mother who recently gave birth in detention will be soon repatriated until fully recovered and cleared for travel with her infant.
The victims were among those arrested during a large-scale Nigerian government raid in December 2024 targeting cryptocurrency and love scam operations. They were falsely promised of legitimate jobs as customer service representatives with a salary of USD 1,000 for a 6-month contract including free board and lodging but later forced into cyber scams and subjected to threats, withheld passports, and exploitative working conditions.
With the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja and the Honorary Consulate in Lagos, the victims entered plea bargaining to expedite their release. Their repatriation was made possible following the visit of the Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria last August 17.
The whole-of-government joined Secretary Cacdac along with House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA) Chairperson Rep. Bryan Revilla in welcoming the repatriated OFWs.
Secretary Cacdac reiterated the Department’s commitment to ensure the reintegration of the repatriated OFWs back to their communities.
“Utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na makapagpanimula kayong muli at tungkulin namin sa DMW na paigtingin ang inyong mga tibay at lakas ng loob upang makapagsimulang muli,” said Secretary Cacdac.
Each victim also received Php 50,000 in financial assistance from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and temporary accommodation from OWWA, aside from the immediate medical and psychosocial services, and referral to their respective local government units (LGUs) for further assistance.
HCOWA Chairperson Rep. Bryan Revilla meanwhile emphasized the government’s commitment to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs, “We will do what we need to do in the House of Representatives upang masiguro na maproteksyunan at mapangalagaan ang inyong mga karapatan,” said Rep. Revilla.
The DMW reminds OFWs and job seekers to remain vigilant against illegal recruitment and human trafficking schemes and assures the public that the Philippine government will continue to stand by its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers worldwide.
The whole-of-government team that secured the return of the victims are the DFA, DMW, OWWA, HOR, DSWD, BI, DOJ, NNIC, TESDA, and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
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