Senator Risa Hontiveros appealed to the global community for assistance in dismantling transnational criminal organizations in the Philippines.
“Hontiveros stated that the Philippine government cannot manage this on its own,” she remarked, expressing her relief over the return of 176 Filipinos who were freed from fraudulent operations in Myanmar.
“Governments and global organizations should collaborate to ensure the safety of our citizens,” she stated.
The senator greeted more than 100 Filipinos who landed in Manila from Myanmar on Wednesday.
Hontiveros, along with Akbayan Partylist candidate Chel Diokno, met with some of the repatriated individuals who had contacted them seeking assistance.
She mentioned that the victims recounted horrific tales of torment, sexual assault, and various types of abuse.
“I hope that the victim-survivors receive appropriate psychosocial support due to the trauma they endured,” Hontiveros stated.
“Our administration should firmly guarantee that no additional Filipino ends up in that nightmare again,” stated Hontiveros.
In 2022, she initiated the Senate investigations into human trafficking within scam operations following her office’s role in rescuing Filipinos who had been trafficked to Myanmar.