MANILA -- Up to 187 scam hub victims in Myanmar may be sent home to the Philippines next week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

During the hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights on Tuesday, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said preparations are underway for this.

“It’s possible as early as next week up to 187 will be allowed to cross the border and from there, susunduin ng ating mga tauhan naman sa Thailand, sa ating embahada sa Thailand, either to fly them directly from Mae Sot, we are trying to charter a flight for that, or drive them to Bangkok where they will fly,” De Vega said.

“They are in Myanmar and then itatawid yan sa friendship bridge to Mae Sot. So both governments have to coordinate on the dates, on the times,” he added. “What we’re doing is we are actually competing with other countries in effect kasi there’s thousands, thousands of victims, trafficking victims.”

Mae Sot is a city in Thailand.

De Vega said the Thai government is requiring other governments to bring their rescued nationals within 24 hours.

Aside from the 187, there are about 50 to 62 more victims in scam hub compounds in Myanmar who need rescuing.

Acccording to De Vega, many victims leave the Philippines through a backdoor exit in the Southern part of the country because it is difficult to leave through airports.

De Vega appealed to Filipinos to ensure the jobs offered to them are legitimate by checking with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

He believes the scam hubs in Myanmar will be closed down in a couple of months because of the trilateral crackdown of Thailand, Myanmar and China. There is the possibility, however, of scam hubs transferring to other countries.