The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has released ₱20 million in financial assistance to 399 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who fell victim to illegal recruitment and human trafficking. The distribution was carried out on September 30, 2025, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City under the AKSYON Fund program.
Of the beneficiaries, 200 were identified as victims of illegal recruitment, while 199 were trafficking survivors repatriated from Iraq, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Each received ₱50,000 in immediate support.
The aid was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to provide swift and comprehensive assistance to distressed OFWs.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac underscored the agency’s firm stance against those exploiting Filipino workers. “Ang mensahe po ng DMW ay malinaw: hindi natin hahayaang maloko, malinlang, at mapagsamantalahan ang ating mga kababayan. Katuwang natin ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan para masawata ang mga illegal recruiters at human traffickers,” he said.
Cacdac also reminded Filipinos seeking overseas employment to deal only with licensed recruitment agencies and verify job offers with the DMW before leaving the country.
The DMW further urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious recruitment activities through the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip or via hotline 1348.
