MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Sunday the successful repatriation of 13 Filipino women who had been convicted in Cambodia for engaging in illegal surrogacy. Their return was made possible after receiving a royal pardon from Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on December 26. The pardon came after a plea from the Philippine Embassy, supported by the Cambodian government.
The DFA stated, ‘The Royal Decree that pardoned all 13 Filipinos facilitated their release and swift return home.’ Earlier, the DFA had reported the rescue of 20 Filipino women who were lured to Cambodia by a recruitment agency to serve as surrogate mothers. Of these, seven who were not pregnant were sent back to the Philippines earlier, while the remaining 13, who were at different stages of pregnancy, were detained in a Cambodian hospital.
These women faced trial and were convicted under Cambodia’s 2008 Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation for their involvement in the surrogacy operation. Surrogacy has been outlawed in Cambodia since 2016, and those found guilty face serious criminal charges.
The DFA extended its appreciation to the Cambodian authorities for their humane treatment of the women throughout the legal proceedings. ‘The safe return of these women underscores the robust diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Cambodia, and our mutual dedication to fighting human trafficking and cross-border crime,’ the DFA remarked.
The DFA also issued a reminder to Filipinos that surrogacy is illegal in Cambodia, and those who violate this law could face harsh legal consequences.