More than 1,000 foreign nationals, including Filipinos, have fled a notorious online scam hub in Myawaddy, Myanmar, near the Thailand border following a law enforcement raid, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Sunday.
The Philippine Embassy in Yangon has received 222 active requests for rescue and repatriation from Filipino nationals caught in the situation. Of these, 66 have crossed into Thailand, while nine have reached Yangon and are now in the embassy’s custody, the DFA said.
The raid targeted KK Park, a well-known scam center in Myawaddy, on Oct. 20, prompting the mass exodus, according to local reports. The DFA said it is coordinating with Myanmar authorities to finalize deportation procedures for Filipinos in holding camps and to secure the release of those still trapped in scam compounds.
“The DFA, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and other relevant agencies, remains committed to the safe repatriation of affected Filipinos through established government-to-government channels,” the DFA said in a statement. It added that efforts are underway with Myanmar and Thai authorities to expedite the process.
The agency has been monitoring the situation since the raid, which disrupted operations at the scam hub. Filipinos and their families seeking repatriation assistance are urged to contact the Philippine Embassy in Yangon via phone at +959985210993, +959985210998, +959409883434 (Viber), +959985210996, or email at yangonpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.
