MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh repatriated 13 Filipino surrogates convicted by a Cambodian court for human trafficking after they were pardoned by King Norodom Sihamoni.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a statement, said the Filipino women arrived home Sunday.
The DFA reminded the public that “surrogacy is banned in Cambodia and any violation thereof is punishable under Cambodian laws.”
It said the women were granted royal pardon by King Norodom Sihamoni on December 6.
Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni attends a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, October 30, 2024. EPA-EFE/KITH SEREY
“Upon the request of the Philippine Embassy and with the endorsement of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the royal decree pardoning all 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation,” the DFA said.
The Philippine government thanked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet “for the humanitarian treatment extended to the Filipino mothers throughout the investigative and judicial process.”
“Their safe homecoming is a testament to the longstanding friendly relations between the Philippines and Cambodia and the firm commitment of both governments to combat human trafficking and other transnational crimes,” the DFA said.
The DFA and the embassy coordinated with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in sending home the 13 Filipinos who were convicted by a Cambodian court on December 2 for violating Cambodia’s law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking.
