December 29, 2024 | 10:06am
ALBAY, Philippines — Thirteen Filipino women convicted for violating Cambodia’s surrogacy ban have returned to the Philippines after receiving a royal pardon.
“All 13 women departed Phnom Penh and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on 26 December 2024,” the DFA said in a statement on Sunday, December 29.
The women were convicted on December 2 by a Cambodian court for violating the country’s law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and were sentenced to four years in prison.
However, a royal decree, issued upon the request of the Philippine Embassy and endorsed by the Royal Government of Cambodia, led to their release and immediate repatriation.
The DFA thanked the Cambodian government, particularly Prime Minister Hun Manet, “for the humanitarian treatment extended to the Filipino mothers throughout the investigative and judicial processes.”
“Their safe return underscores the strong friendship between the Philippines and Cambodia, as well as both governments’ shared commitment to addressing human trafficking and transnational crimes,” the DFA said.
Their repatriation was coordinated by the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.
The 13 convicted Filipino women, reportedly recruited online, were promised $10,000 for their surrogacy services.
The DFA reminded Filipinos that surrogacy is not allowed in Cambodia, with penalties ranging from two to 20 years of imprisonment if found guilty.
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