The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those facing legal battles and critical situations abroad.
From January to August 2025, the agency, with the help of its Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), 23 legal retainers, and 10 in-house lawyers, has been actively monitoring 1,106 legal cases involving Filipino workers overseas. Among these were 37 acquittals of OFWs wrongfully accused of various crimes.
DMW also reported 1,072 jail and detention visits covering 3,962 detainees, as well as 13,462 counselling sessions extended to more than 20,000 OFWs. Beyond legal aid, the agency said that 253,582 overseas Filipinos benefited from the AKSYON Fund, a government-backed program that provides legal, medical, financial, welfare, and repatriation assistance.
MWOs recorded a 90% response rate to verified requests for help, coordinating directly with host country authorities. For urgent and high-risk situations, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) immediately mobilize and work closely with local officials to ensure the safety of Filipinos.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DMW also strengthens reintegration initiatives for returning workers and their families, including livelihood, financial, and psychosocial support.
The department emphasized that every case is handled with urgency, dignity, and compassion. “Bawat kaso ay tinatrato nang may agarang aksyon, respeto, at malasakit. Hindi headlines ang basehan kundi diretsong serbisyo at pananagutan sa ating mga kababayan,” the agency stated.
For assistance, Filipinos may reach DMW through its 24/7 hotline 1348 (within the Philippines), official website (www.dmw.gov.ph), email, Facebook Messenger page, the “Kumusta Kabayan” app, or by visiting the nearest MWO abroad or regional office in the country.
