MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday advised Filipino travellers to “exercise extreme caution” due to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and illegal recruitment activities.
According to the BI, Myanmar is under alert level 2, also known as the restricted phase due to conflict.
“This means that only documented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be allowed to travel to Myanmar, with strict protocols and safeguards,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.
The precautionary measure follows the repatriation of four Filipinos who fell victim to illegal recruiters.
They arrived in Manila on 21 November from Yangon, Myanmar.
The BI said the repatriates admitted to not having proper work visas and registration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration while in Myanmar.
They also left the Philippines under the guise of being tourists but were later recruited by their overseas acquaintances.
Two of the victims were recruited through a job advertisement on Facebook as customer service representatives, Tansingco said.
“Upon arrival, they were forced to engage in online fraud activities for an unnamed Chinese company,” he said.
“These individuals were subjected to physical abuse and poor working conditions,” he added.
“Illegal recruitment not only violates our laws, but also undermines the rights and welfare of Filipino workers,” he said.
“Prospective OFWs are urged to verify the legitimacy of job offers, ensure proper documentation, and seek advice from licensed recruitment agencies before applying abroad,” he added.
