The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in collaboration with key government partners, has significantly ramped up its campaign against illegal recruitment syndicates operating across Southeast Asia, leading to multiple arrests and successful criminal prosecutions.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac confirmed in a recent interview that nearly 20 individuals have been apprehended in various operations conducted with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The operations, targeting networks linked to illegal deployment in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, resulted in the arrest of four local recruiters across Rizal and Palawan, as well as a Taiwanese national intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Secretary Cacdac noted the deceptive tactics used by these syndicates. “There were some who pretended to be repatriates, but in reality, they were the recruiters themselves. It’s good that our police and PAOCC are taking notice,” he stated.
Beyond arrests, the DMW also reported judicial success, confirming that three individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for illegal recruitment activities connected to Myanmar and Cambodia.
Over 800 Filipinos Repatriated, Warning Issued on Visa-Free Schemes
In addition to strong enforcement, the DMW’s humanitarian efforts continue to bring affected workers home. Secretary Cacdac reported that over 800 Filipinos have already been repatriated from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, with over 200 more currently receiving assistance to return.
“Rest assured we’re cooperating with the authorities to bring them home as soon as possible,” the Secretary affirmed, highlighting the DMW’s close partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine embassies in the region (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand).
Secretary Cacdac further detailed the recruiters’ modus operandi, which often involves luring victims to visa-free ASEAN countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, under the guise of offering high-paying jobs without legitimate work documents.
He issued a stern reminder to prospective Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): “Visa-free is only for tourists, it doesn’t mean you can work.”
The DMW Chief emphasized that the campaign against human smuggling syndicates is ongoing, reinforced by efforts to strengthen international cooperation.
“We are not on the side of irregular labor mobility. We stand for safe, ethical, and transparent recruitment,” the Secretary declared, underscoring that this campaign aligns directly with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safe, legal, and humane deployment of every Filipino worker abroad.
