Three Filipinos are urgently seeking government assistance after being tortured and held captive by their Chinese employers at a scam farm in Cambodia. The victims, who initially thought they were working in a call center, are now hiding in a safehouse, fearing for their lives.
Victims Share Harrowing Ordeal
The Filipinos recounted that 15 Chinese individuals discovered their escape plan and took them to a vacant lot, where they were severely beaten.
📸 They shared photos and videos showing injuries, including wounds and burn marks.
🔹 “Ben” was locked up for three days without food:
“Takot na takot po ako… Akala ko talaga mamamatay na kami dun.”
(I was really scared. I really thought we would die there.)
🔹 “Alice” was thrown onto gravel, kicked, and burned:
“Nagising lang po ako nang may pumasa po sa kamay ko ng sigarilyo. ‘Yung isa po bakal.”
(I regained consciousness when I felt a cigarette burn my hand. Then there was metal.)
The Chinese employers fled, allowing the Filipinos to escape and hide, but they fear they are still being hunted down.
Government Steps In
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is working with INTERPOL and other agencies to rescue and repatriate the Filipinos.
🔹 NBI Director Jaime Santiago assured the victims:
“Huwag kayong matakot. Gagawin ko agad ang lahat ng paraan para ma-i-rescue kayo diyan.”
(Do not be afraid. I will do everything possible to rescue you immediately.)
A Growing Concern
This case highlights the rising danger of human trafficking and illegal recruitment in Cambodia, where many Filipinos are lured with fake job offers only to be forced into scam operations.