Rescue of Filipinos in Cambodia Scam Hubs Faces Major Obstacles

About 100 Filipinos who remain trapped in scam hubs in Cambodia are unlikely to be rescued in time to return home for Christmas, as authorities continue to face significant challenges in extracting victims from tightly guarded compounds.

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille Mayo said the rescue operations have been hampered by strict security measures imposed by operators of scam centers, many of which are located in remote or heavily controlled areas.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mayo explained that law enforcement efforts are ongoing but progress has been slow due to the circumstances on the ground.

“As of today, we have around 100 [Filipinos] waiting to be rescued by the police,” Mayo told radio station dwPM.

She added that another 45 Filipinos have already been taken out of scam hubs and are currently staying in detention centers while their exit clearances are being processed.

These individuals are expected to return to the Philippines once documentation and coordination with Cambodian authorities are completed.

Mayo said the number of Filipinos affected by scam hubs in Cambodia has significantly increased compared to last year. In 2024, only 78 Filipinos were recorded as having been rescued from similar operations.

This year, however, the figure is expected to reach as many as 500, including those still awaiting rescue.

The scam hubs are part of a broader network of transnational criminal operations that target foreign workers, including Filipinos, through fraudulent job offers.

Mayo said many of the victims were lured by promises of high-paying employment, particularly in customer service or online support roles.

According to data from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), a total of 2,021 Filipinos have survived human trafficking in Southeast Asia, including cases in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Of this number, 1,041 were women, while 980 were men.

Mayo warned Filipinos to be wary of job offers that appear too good to be true, especially those advertised online or through informal recruitment channels.

“Don’t believe in such job offers, it’s probably from a scam compound—you might just get tortured and be hurt there,” she said.

The DMW has earlier issued updated operational guidelines to strengthen the government’s referral mechanism for assisting overseas Filipino workers who become victims of human trafficking.

These guidelines are aimed at improving coordination among government agencies and ensuring quicker responses once cases are reported.

Hannah Manalili, executive director of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat), said the enhanced mechanism is intended to institutionalize government responses and designate Philippine foreign service posts as the primary point of contact for victims abroad.

However, Manalili acknowledged that major challenges remain in investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases, particularly those involving digital platforms and electronic devices used by criminal syndicates.

“We’re continuing with lobbying for more resources and capabilities … and training our police, prosecutors in investigation,” she said during a press conference last week.

Complicating the situation further is an ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which has raised security risks in areas where some scam hubs and Filipino communities are located.

Mayo said the tension has made rescue operations more difficult and poses additional dangers to Filipinos living and working near the border.

She urged Filipinos in Cambodia to stay away from military installations and sensitive areas, noting that such sites are considered legitimate targets under International Humanitarian Law during armed conflicts.

The dispute between Cambodia and Thailand stems from long-standing territorial claims rooted in colonial-era boundary demarcations. Officials from both countries have agreed to meet on Dec. 22 in an effort to prevent further escalation.

Mayo said around 230 Filipinos are currently in border areas, most of whom are employed as casino workers, teachers and religious missionaries. Despite the heightened tensions, none of them have requested repatriation so far.

Philippine authorities continue to coordinate with Cambodian officials, international partners and local law enforcement to secure the release of those still trapped in scam hubs, while urging Filipinos to exercise caution when considering overseas employment opportunities.