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The POGO Ban and the Rise of Surrogacy Trafficking
The Exploitation of Filipinos in Cambodia's Illegal Surrogacy Industry
The sources detail a troubling trend of Filipino women being trafficked to Cambodia for the purpose of surrogacy, despite a ban on the practice in the country since 2016. Cambodian police recently rescued 20 Filipino women, with 13 found to be pregnant. These women were promised legitimate jobs in Cambodia or other Southeast Asian countries but were instead forced into surrogacy. The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh believes that a Philippine agency is involved in this trafficking ring, working with in vitro fertilization experts in Thailand to traffic babies.
While surrogacy is banned in Cambodia, no law criminalizes it, making it difficult to prosecute those involved. The recruiter in these cases used an assumed name and contacted victims online, making it challenging to track them down. The women were under the care of a local "nanny" alongside women from another Southeast Asian country, highlighting the transnational nature of this crime.
This case exposes the vulnerability of Filipinos seeking work abroad, particularly after the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) ban that led to widespread job losses. The economic hardship faced by many makes them susceptible to scams promising lucrative opportunities. While there is no direct link between the POGO ban and the rise of surrogacy trafficking, the ban's consequences may have exacerbated the situation.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has assisted in repatriating trafficked Filipinos from Cambodia, but this is the first reported case involving surrogacy. Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega believes most of the 20 women knew they were going to be surrogate mothers, but it is likely some were deceived. He also warns that similar schemes might be operating in other countries.
This situation highlights the urgent need for:
- Stronger border security measures
- Increased awareness campaigns to educate Filipinos about trafficking risks
- Enhanced cooperation between Philippine and international law enforcement agencies
-Support and resources for Filipinos affected by the POGO ban, helping them find legitimate employment opportunities
#pogo #pogobanned #cambodia #surrogacy #trafficking #filipino
What is the connection between the POGO ban in the Philippines and the rise in Filipino trafficking to Cambodia?
The recent ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has led to significant job losses, making many Filipinos vulnerable to exploitation. While there's no direct link, this economic hardship creates a fertile ground for trafficking as individuals become desperate for work. Traffickers prey on this desperation, luring them with false promises of lucrative opportunities.
Subscribe to Deep Dive Journal Podcast in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeepDiveJournalPodcast
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By Deep Dive Journal PodcastThe Exploitation of Filipinos in Cambodia's Illegal Surrogacy Industry
The sources detail a troubling trend of Filipino women being trafficked to Cambodia for the purpose of surrogacy, despite a ban on the practice in the country since 2016. Cambodian police recently rescued 20 Filipino women, with 13 found to be pregnant. These women were promised legitimate jobs in Cambodia or other Southeast Asian countries but were instead forced into surrogacy. The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh believes that a Philippine agency is involved in this trafficking ring, working with in vitro fertilization experts in Thailand to traffic babies.
While surrogacy is banned in Cambodia, no law criminalizes it, making it difficult to prosecute those involved. The recruiter in these cases used an assumed name and contacted victims online, making it challenging to track them down. The women were under the care of a local "nanny" alongside women from another Southeast Asian country, highlighting the transnational nature of this crime.
This case exposes the vulnerability of Filipinos seeking work abroad, particularly after the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) ban that led to widespread job losses. The economic hardship faced by many makes them susceptible to scams promising lucrative opportunities. While there is no direct link between the POGO ban and the rise of surrogacy trafficking, the ban's consequences may have exacerbated the situation.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has assisted in repatriating trafficked Filipinos from Cambodia, but this is the first reported case involving surrogacy. Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega believes most of the 20 women knew they were going to be surrogate mothers, but it is likely some were deceived. He also warns that similar schemes might be operating in other countries.
This situation highlights the urgent need for:
- Stronger border security measures
- Increased awareness campaigns to educate Filipinos about trafficking risks
- Enhanced cooperation between Philippine and international law enforcement agencies
-Support and resources for Filipinos affected by the POGO ban, helping them find legitimate employment opportunities
#pogo #pogobanned #cambodia #surrogacy #trafficking #filipino
What is the connection between the POGO ban in the Philippines and the rise in Filipino trafficking to Cambodia?
The recent ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has led to significant job losses, making many Filipinos vulnerable to exploitation. While there's no direct link, this economic hardship creates a fertile ground for trafficking as individuals become desperate for work. Traffickers prey on this desperation, luring them with false promises of lucrative opportunities.
Subscribe to Deep Dive Journal Podcast in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeepDiveJournalPodcast