35 OFWs rescued, repatriated from Cambodia

A total of 35 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Cambodia were repatriated to the Philippines on December 31, 2025, just hours before the start of 2026, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In a statement, the DMW said the 35 OFWs arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City in three separate batches as part of ongoing government efforts to assist Filipinos affected by illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and scam hub operations abroad.

“Thirty-five OFWs from Cambodia were successfully repatriated to the Philippines today, December 31, 2025, as part of ongoing inter-agency efforts to assist Filipino victims of illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and scam hub operations,” the DMW said.

The first batch consisted of eight OFWs who arrived via AirAsia flight AK-586, which transited through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Another group of eight OFWs formed the second batch and arrived on AirAsia flight AK-582, also passing through Kuala Lumpur.

The third and largest batch included 19 OFWs who arrived on Philippine Airlines flight PR-2622 from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The DMW said the group included one individual who had been released from prison after serving time for a money laundering-related offense.

Upon arrival, the repatriated OFWs were provided with immediate assistance by the government. “They were provided immediate aid, including financial and welfare support,” the DMW said.

The department said the repatriation was carried out through coordinated inter-agency efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipinos who had fallen victim to illegal employment schemes overseas.

The DMW also renewed its advisory to the public to remain cautious when considering overseas job offers, particularly those promoted through social media platforms.

The agency said fraudulent recruitment schemes continue to target Filipinos seeking employment abroad.

“The Department urges jobseekers to verify the legitimacy of overseas employment opportunities and to ensure they are properly approved and registered with the DMW before accepting any offer,” the agency said.

The DMW said it continues to work with other government agencies and foreign counterparts to facilitate the rescue and repatriation of Filipinos in distress overseas, while strengthening public awareness campaigns to prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking.