DFA Statement on Assistance to Filipinos in Distress in Bokeo, Lao People’s Democratic Republic 

MANILA 23 August 2024 — The Department of Foreign Affairs has been working round-the-clock since last week when the crackdown on illegal companies within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) located in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR commenced.

The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, is working closely with Lao authorities and has also sent a team to Bokeo province to facilitate the release and extraction of distressed OFWs from the GTSEZ.

The DFA is also funding their flights from Bokeo to Vientiane and onward to the Philippines, including accommodation, food and basic needs.

So far, we have responded to 129 requests for assistance, and already repatriated 7 Filipinos today. 

The Embassy is currently arranging the repatriation of 75 more Filipinos. The team stands ready to assist Filipinos who may still be remaining in the Golden Triangle and will continue to work with Lao authorities to ensure their safety.

Two officials from the DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs (OUMA) are now in Laos to assist as part of the DFA’s Rapid Response Team. END