20 Pinays rescued from surrogate mom trafficking in Cambodia

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty Filipino women allegedly trafficked to become surrogate mothers, including 13 in various stages of pregnancy, have been rescued in Cambodia, the Philippine embassy in Phnom Penh reported yesterday.

The embassy said the victims were rescued by the Cambodian National Police in Kandal province on Sept. 23.

“Of the 20 women, 13 are in various stages of pregnancy and are now sheltered in a local hospital. The remaining seven are awaiting repatriation,” the embassy said.

Cambodian law enforcers have confirmed that the rescue was made in line with the country’s law on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“Based on preliminary interviews, the recruitment of the Filipino women took place in cyberspace by a person whose identity and nationality have yet to be determined,” the embassy said.