Makati: About 78 prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were rescued by the Department of Migrant Workers at an unregistered accommodation facility in Palanan, Makati after it was found to lack proper permits and compliance requirements.
According to Philippines News Agency, the workers narrated that they were recruited through Jenerick International Manpower Inc. and were promised employment as domestic workers in several countries in Asia and the Middle East. The DMW discovered that the applicants were staying in an accommodation facility that was not registered and did not have the necessary clearance permit from the department.
Verification also revealed that the facility is not suitable as a residence due to lack of space, proper ventilation, and safe conditions for the applicants. As a result, DMW-National Capital Region and the Migrant Workers Protection Division immediately implemented Closure Order No. 2. The local government also assisted in ensuring the orderly and secure conduct of the rescue operation.
Following the operation, the DMW coordinated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to extend immediate assistance to the rescued applicants, including financial aid and temporary accommodation. The closure operation forms part of broader government efforts, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to intensify protection measures against illegal recruitment schemes and human trafficking networks targeting Filipinos seeking overseas employment.
DMW also reiterated its warning to those seeking to work overseas to carefully verify recruitment agencies, job orders, and employment offers before making any payments or committing to overseas work arrangements. The DMW continues to urge the public to be discerning with job offers abroad and encourages the public to immediately report any suspicious recruitment activity to the DMW or the appropriate authorities to better protect citizens, especially OFWs and aspiring OFWs, against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
