The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), highlighting a surge in anti-illegal recruitment efforts and direct interventions for distressed Filipinos abroad.
During a calamity aid distribution under the agency’s Quick AKSYON Fund in Bulacan, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac laid out the department’s progress — from dismantling illegal recruitment operations to delivering legal and humanitarian support to OFWs in crisis.
Illegal recruiters face tighter crackdown
Cacdac emphasized the agency’s growing success in taking down illegal recruiters, noting that the number of shut down agencies has dramatically increased under Undersecretary Bernard Olalia’s leadership. From just six closures in 2023, the number rose to 15 in 2024 and has already reached 28 as of August 1.
“Sang-ayon ba kayo sa lehitimong proseso sa pag-aabroad? Kontra ba tayo sa mga broker at naniningil ng kung anu-ano?” he asked the audience, reiterating that both President Marcos and the DMW are firmly against exploitative brokers and under-the-table dealings in overseas employment.
71,000 online scam pages taken down
The DMW also reported a sweeping crackdown on illegal recruitment online. About 71,000 suspicious websites and social media accounts involved in trafficking and illegal hiring were deactivated in 2024 alone. As of August 18, the agency has assisted 1,259 trafficking victims — mostly from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia — providing them with immediate financial relief through the AKSYON Fund.
Direct aid for OFWs in prison
Cacdac also recounted his visits to detained OFWs in Jordan and Japan, where he personally ensured they received legal support and basic necessities.
“Tinutulungan sila ng ating mga abogado sa abroad… Binibigyan din sila ng tulong pinansyal para makabili ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan sa loob ng kulungan,” he said.
He added that the DMW is extending help not just to the workers, but also to their children — especially minors left behind in countries like Japan — in line with the President’s directive to secure the future of OFW families.
Expanded health and welfare services
Aside from rescue and legal support, the DMW continues to offer medical services to OFWs and their dependents through the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, where treatment is free of charge.
Cacdac closed his speech by honoring the resilience of OFWs:
“Kayo po ang patunay na anuman ang hirap, anuman ang hamon—kakayanin ninyo. Babangon tayong sama-sama.”
He assured the Filipino community that the DMW stands with them — not just in times of crisis, but in every step of their journey abroad.
