Malaysia deports 500 Filipinos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Malaysian authorities have deported some 500 Filipinos, including 60 women who were victims of human trafficking, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said here yesterday.

The latest batch of deportees arrived Wednesday night on board a commercial ferry from Sandakan, Malaysia, said social officer Abdurajul Abduhalim.

The deportees were immediately brought to the DSWD processing center for displaced persons for proper assistance before they were sent back to their respective hometowns.

 Most of the deportees said they were forced to travel to Malaysia in search for job opportunities.

It was only last Saturday when a group of 226 Filipinos, who were deported from Malaysia arrived here.

Last Sept. 26, the DSWD said at least 60 women, who were victims of human trafficking in Malaysia were also deported .