The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of two language learning centers in Cebu province for allegedly engaging in illegal recruitment activities.
On Monday, DMW operatives, joined by local authorities, first raided a Japanese language school in Barangay Linao-Lipata, Minglanilla. Eight students were found in the middle of class. One of them revealed that the six- to nine-month program cost ₱72,000, with a promise of job assistance in Japan after completion. She had already paid ₱15,000 and now hopes to get a refund, saying she will instead enroll elsewhere.
The Minglanilla Business Permit and Licensing Office confirmed the school had no permit despite being issued two prior notices. Staff member John Niño Caparas said a closure order was set to be released this week, but the DMW acted first, posting closure stickers citing violations.
That same day, the agency also shut down another language center in Barangay Cogon-Ramos, Cebu City. While its owner denied recruiting students, he admitted referring them to acquaintances believed to be legitimate agencies—a practice that Migrant Workers Protection Bureau Director Eric Dollete said still amounts to “illegal recruitment by referral.”
DMW-7 Director Jhoaden Lucero said both centers had been under surveillance for months, with documented violations leading to the operations. These mark the third and fourth language centers closed in Cebu this year, with more establishments still under monitoring.
The DMW urged affected students to coordinate with their office for financial and legal assistance.
