Fifty-three victims of human trafficking were repatriated "safely" to the Philippines on Friday morning, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The group, including two of the repatriated victims who required immediate medical attention, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 2622 from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

According to officials, the victims were lured through the messaging app Telegram with promises of salaries ranging from $600 to $1,000 (approximately ₱60,000) and valid working visas.

However, upon arrival in Cambodia, some were subjected to physical abuse, denied salaries, and forced to meet quotas of 26 “love scam” clients per day.

"One of the victims disclosed being subjected to abuse and made to do 300 push-ups, starved, and denied salaries for failing to reach a quota of 26 love scam clients per day," DMW said.

The two victims requiring medical care, "one with kidney failure and another with a broken clavicle due to a vehicle accident," received medicines and will be referred to the Department of Health (DOH) hospitals near their residences for free treatment.

The DMW reported that coordinated efforts between its Rapid Response Team and the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia facilitated the safe return of the victims.

Various government teams welcomed the victims at NAIA, including representatives from the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking (TFAT), DOH, and MIAA Medical Team.

While awaiting the processing of their statements, the victims are being provided with accommodation and comprehensive assistance, including psychosocial counseling, reintegration support, recovery services, and transportation to their respective provinces.