The Department of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), has successfully facilitated the return of 13 Filipino surrogates who were convicted by a Cambodian court on December 2, 2024, for breaching Cambodia’s laws on the Suppression of Human Trafficking.
These individuals departed from Phnom Penh and arrived safely in Manila following the issuance of a Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on December 26, 2024.
At the request of the Philippine Embassy and with the support of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Royal Decree granting clemency to all 13 Filipinos enabled their release and swift repatriation.
The Philippine Government expresses its gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Prime Minister Hun Manet, for the compassionate treatment afforded to Filipino mothers during the investigative and judicial proceedings. Their safe return underscores the enduring friendly relations between the Philippines and Cambodia, as well as the shared commitment of both nations to address human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also takes this opportunity to remind the Filipino public that surrogacy is prohibited in Cambodia, and any infringement of this law is subject to penalties under Cambodian legislation. (ZIA LUNA)
