Filipino couple repatriated from Laos — BI By GMA Integrated News

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said that a Filipino couple who falsely posed as tourists and were abused by their employers have been repatriated back to the Philippines from Laos. In a statement, the BI said the couple arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on January 12. The couple initially posed as tourists and left the Philippines for Malaysia in April 2023 after they were recruited through Facebook to work as a “Tele Sales Agent” with a monthly wage of P45,000. According to the victims, they were transported to Bangkok after arriving in Malaysia, then to the Mekong River, and finally to Laos. They worked for eight months for an online casino, where they recruited Filipino players through a list of contacts. From December 2023 to January 2024, however, the BI said their employers started abusing them. “Their release came at a cost, with the couple paying nearly P800,000 to secure their freedom. Fortunately, they managed to contact a family member, seeking help from the Philippine Embassy,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said. According to Tansingco, the incident highlights the risks that individuals face when they attempt to bypass legal processes. “We urge all citizens to adhere to immigration laws and regulations, as leaving the country without proper documentation not only jeopardizes personal safety but also contributes to illegal activities that may lead to exploitation," he said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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