MANILA, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that 13 Filipino surrogates convicted by a Cambodian court on Dec. 2, 2024 for violating Cambodia's law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking, returned to the Philippines on Sunday.

"All 13 departed Phnom Penh, Cambodia and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on Dec. 26, 2024," the DFA said in a statement.

The royal decree pardoning all the 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation, based on the Philippine Embassy's request and the Cambodian government's endorsement.

The DFA conveyed the Philippines' appreciation to Cambodia for the humanitarian treatment extended to Filipino mothers throughout the investigative and judicial processes.

"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 added.

The DFA reminded the Filipinos anew that surrogacy is banned in Cambodia, and any violation thereof is punishable under Cambodian laws.

The 13 were among the 24 foreign women caught by the Cambodian police in Kandal province in September and charged with attempted cross-border human trafficking, according to a statement from the Kandal court. Enditem

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