THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is once again reminding Filipinos to be vigilant against illegal recruiters, emphasizing that organized syndicates are behind these operations.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said the department has already closed more than 25 illegal recruitment agencies across the country.
Speaking at a DMW-10 welfare reintegration service event, Olalia said the closures followed surveillance and confirmation that the entities were operating illegally.
“We have already implemented 25 closures nationwide,” he said.
Olalia advised the public to avoid ‘backdoor recruiters’ who offer travel through southern areas such as Palawan, Tawi-tawi, or Sabah.
“They will ask you to go to Palawan, then you will travel to Tawi-tawi. They know that this is not right, that they are doing something wrong, so why do they agree,” the undersecretary said.
He described the illegal recruitment networks as ‘well-organized syndicates.’
Olalia urged victims already in such situations to invoke their right to leave and to contact the DMW office for assistance.
Meanwhile, DMW Regional Director for Northern Mindanao Emanuel Toledo said their office provides financial aid, livelihood programs, and training for repatriated overseas Filipino workers.
He noted that other government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, also offer programs to help these workers.
DMW-10 also officially inaugurated its regional office at the YMCA Building on Julio Pacana Street in Cagayan de Oro.
