TWENTY-SIX overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rescued from a labor trafficking syndicate in Malaysia have returned home, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section informed Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado that the group — consisting of nine women and 17 men — arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 3 last week. Most of the victims disclosed they left the Philippines through “backdoor” routes in the south, where they were clandestinely transported by boat to Malaysia. In Malaysia, they were arrested for lack of travel documents and detained before being sent home. “Malaysian immigration authorities apprehended the victims due to their undocumented status. Most were detained before their repatriation,” Viado said. He added that the BI continues to observe a pattern wherein trafficking syndicates exploit illegal migration corridors or “backdoor” exits to transport victims out of the country and circumvent established immigration controls. One female victim recounted that she was recruited to work as a waitress but was later coerced into engaging in sex work. Meanwhile, several male victims recruited to work in construction reported maltreatment, including nonpayment or underpayment of wages. Viado slammed trafficking syndicates for exploiting Filipinos seeking better lives abroad. “Many Filipinos leave the country with hopes of improving their lives, but traffickers take advantage of this vulnerability. These victims were deceived by false promises and subjected to exploitation,” he said. “The Bureau stands firm in its mandate to assist victims and combat trafficking in all its forms.” He said the BI is tightening border controls and working with partners to stop illegal departures, especially at southern exit points. The victims are now receiving assistance, while the Iacat authorities prepare cases against perpetrators of the illegal scheme.