Philippines repatriates 13 convicted Filipino surrogates from Cambodia

29/12/2024 12:26

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that 13 Filipino surrogates convicted by a Cambodian court on Dec. 2, 2024 for violating Cambodia's law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking, returned to the Philippines on Sunday.



The DFA said in a statement, "All 13 departed Phnom Penh, Cambodia and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on Dec. 26, 2024."



The royal decree pardoning all the 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation, based on the Philippine Embassy's request and the Cambodian government's endorsement.



The DFA conveyed the Philippines' appreciation to Cambodia for the humanitarian treatment extended to Filipino mothers throughout the investigative and judicial processes.