Imus: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday shut down an illegal recruitment agency fronting as a beauty salon and training center in Imus, Cavite. DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara led the closure operation of VMJ Beauty Salon and the Jef and Eds Learning Center, in coordination with the city government and the Imus Police Station.
According to Philippines News Agency, the closure operation was initiated after the DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) received a request from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cavite North District to investigate the two establishments following complaints of illegal recruitment. The MWPB conducted three surveillance operations on June 5, 11, and July 1.
The DMW revealed that the VMJ Salon was found to be charging applicants PHP15,000 for hairstyling and spa training, and subsequently referring trainees to a recruitment agency promising employment in Saudi Arabia with a monthly salary of PHP35,000.
In a coordinated effort, DMW and police operatives conducted simultaneous raids on the VMJ Beauty Salon located at the Golden Market, Diamond Golden City, and the Jef and Eds Learning Center inside the Richlane Subdivision in Imus. During the raids, operatives found a beautician at the salon, while a caretaker and three applicants were discovered at the learning center, which allegedly also served as accommodation for recruits.
The owners of the two establishments are now facing charges for violation of RA 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act. The DMW will also recommend the cancellation of their business registration certificates with the local government and the Department of Trade and Industry.
These closures increase the total number of illegal recruitment fronts shut down by the DMW this year to 18. Alcantara emphasized the DMW's commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking, with support from the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and other government agencies under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.
