Government operatives have arrested almost 20 individuals in ongoing nationwide operations targeting illegal recruitment networks tied to labor trafficking schemes across Southeast Asia, according to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
In a radio interview on Sunday, Cacdac said the coordinated efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have led to arrests in different provinces, including Rizal and Palawan, as well as the interception of a Taiwanese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“May mga nagpanggap na repatriates, pero ‘yon pala, sila mismo ang recruiter,” Cacdac said, noting that authorities flagged the suspects before they could evade law enforcement. “Buti na lang namamarkahan ng ating kapulisan at PAOCC.”
The DMW chief also confirmed that three individuals have already been sentenced to life imprisonment for illegal recruitment activities connected to trafficking operations in Myanmar and Cambodia.
Cacdac reported that more than 800 Filipinos have been returned from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, while over 200 more are currently receiving assistance for repatriation. “Rest assured we’re cooperating with the authorities para makauwi sila sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.
Authorities have warned of a recurring recruitment scheme targeting Filipinos by luring them to visa-free ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, where they are allegedly moved to work illegally in scam hubs. “Ang visa-free ay para sa turista lang, hindi ibig sabihin puwede nang magtrabaho,” Cacdac reminded the public.
He said efforts continue against human smuggling syndicates, with stronger cooperation from foreign missions, OWWA, and Philippine embassies in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. The crackdown aligns with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that overseas employment remains legal and humane.
“Hindi tayo nasa panig ng irregular labor mobility,” Cacdac emphasized. “We stand for safe, ethical, and transparent recruitment.”
