Painter and welding jobs in Australia, advertised with monthly pay of P150,000 to P200,000, drew four applicants to file complaints that ultimately triggered a government crackdown in Clark Freeport Zone.
The Department of Migrant Workers carried out a closure operation on August 28, 2026, against Peloton Workready OPC, a firm based in Angeles City, Pampanga, that authorities suspect was recruiting Filipinos for overseas work without the required license. Acting on the four complaints received by the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau, officials moved against the company after determining it had been arranging placements to Australia despite holding no recruitment authority from the agency.
Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara led the operation alongside MWPB Directors Romelson Abbang and Eric Dollete. Alcantara stressed that any recruitment for foreign jobs requires proper accreditation. “Ang punto rito, hindi ka maaaring mag-recruit kung wala kang lisensya. Kapag nag-canvass ka o nag-recruit ka para magtrabaho sa ibang bansa nang wala kang kaukulang lisensya o awtoridad, isa itong elemento ng illegal recruitment,” he said.
According to Dollete, applicants were taken through a multi-step process that included online applications, document screening, interviews, a trade skills assessment, and a final interview. While the company claimed to charge no placement fee, Dollete noted that other costs were still shifted onto the applicants.
Investigators are now looking into whether Peloton Workready OPC coordinated with any partner recruitment agencies and whether it had already deployed workers abroad before the closure.
The DMW urged jobseekers to confirm a recruiter’s license and job order before turning over documents or handing over any payment. Those who believe they were victimized by the company can reach the MWPB-AIRTIP through its Facebook page, dmwairtip, or by emailing airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph to receive free legal assistance.
