Mandaluyong city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ramped up efforts to combat human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and online job scams by partnering with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and TikTok Philippines. In a signing ceremony on Wednesday at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initiative aligns with the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, held annually on July 30.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DMW signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the IBP, aiming to provide easier access to justice and other legal services, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TikTok Philippines to leverage the influence of digital platforms to raise awareness and educate the public on online job scams. In his speech, Cacdac underscored that Filipino migrant workers must be protected through 'real, accessible, and lasting' support systems.
Cacdac stated, 'These two agreements - one grounded in legal defense, the other in digital advocacy - represent a strategic, complementary approach to migrant protection. They remind us that no single solution exists to end trafficking. What we need is a whole-of-society approach, where law, media, government, private sector, and civil society converge to uphold the rights of our fellow Filipinos.'
DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara mentioned that the agreement with the IBP would ensure access to legal assistance and justice for OFWs who may be vulnerable to trafficking, abuse, or labor violations. IBP National President and Chairperson Alan Panolong cited the significance of the agreement in its efforts to provide accessible legal assistance to trafficked and vulnerable migrant workers, ensuring them that justice is within their reach.
On the topic of online job scams, DMW Undersecretary Dominic Rubia Tutay said the partnership with TikTok Philippines aims to educate Filipino workers for their protection. She emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration, stating that influence happens online, and the department is committed to taking down illegal recruiters as directed by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos to provide full protection to OFWs.
Peachy Paderna, TikTok PH Policy Manager, said their goal is to safeguard and empower Filipinos with the tools to think critically online, recognize misinformation, and stay protected from online recruitment scams and other digital risks. She mentioned that the 'Think Twice' campaign is part of a broader cause to promote digital safety through a holistic, multisectoral, and educational approach.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia highlighted that these agreements complement ongoing efforts by the DMW that are already bearing fruit. In the first half of 2025, the DMW handled numerous cases and conducted several operations against illegal recruitment and trafficking, resulting in significant closures and educational outreach.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with TikTok, a substantial number of TikTok and Facebook accounts and posts were reported for takedown, with a high percentage successfully removed. Cacdac added that with 2025 showing record-high engagement in education campaigns, prosecutions, and online content moderation, the DMW partnerships with IBP and TikTok would serve as force multipliers in the nationwide fight against trafficking.
