Cambodia charges 28 Filipinos over alleged scam operations

Twenty-eight Filipinos detained in Cambodia are facing felony charges linked to organized crime over their alleged involvement in illegal scam operations, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The Filipinos are being held in Sihanoukville, where the offense carries a prison sentence of five to 10 years under Cambodian law.

Meanwhile, 23 other Filipinos detained in Battambang are facing misdemeanor charges punishable by two to five years in prison, according to a report presented by DMW Undersecretary Darlene Pajarito to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and other government officials.

The DMW said it is monitoring all 51 detainees, who have undergone pre-trial proceedings. Assistance is being provided through the agency's Migrant Workers Office in Cambodia and its legal retainer, HBS Law Firm.

Cacdac said the government would not tolerate Filipinos who knowingly participate in illegal scam operations, warning that those found responsible would be held accountable under the law.

However, he stressed that authorities would continue efforts to identify and protect Filipinos who may have been deceived, trafficked or forced to work in such operations, while ensuring their right to due process.

The agency also said the non-punishment principle would apply to Filipinos identified as victims of human trafficking.

A Cambodian court is expected to decide on Dec. 6 whether to dismiss the charges or allow the cases to proceed to trial.

Paraluman News with a report of Marita Moaje/Philippine News Agency