OFW applicants rescued from unregistered accommodation facility

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday said it rescued around 78 prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from an unregistered accommodation facility in Palanan, Makati City, after authorities discovered multiple violations including the lack of proper permits and safety compliance.

In a news release, the DMW said the workers were allegedly recruited by Jenerick International Manpower Inc. and were promised jobs as domestic workers in various countries across Asia and the Middle East.

“Gayunman, nadiskubre ng DMW na nananatili ang mga aplikante sa isang accommodation facility na hindi rehistrado at walang kaukulang clearance permit mula sa kagawaran (However, the DMW discovered that the applicants were staying in an accommodation facility that was not registered and did not have the necessary clearance permit from the department),” the agency said.

The department further noted that verification showed the facility was not suitable for habitation due to inadequate space, poor ventilation, and unsafe living conditions.

“Lumabas din sa beripikasyon na hindi angkop ang pasilidad bilang tirahan dahil sa kakulangan sa espasyo, maayos na bentilasyon at ligtas na kondisyon para sa mga aplikante (Verification also revealed that the facility is not suitable as a residence due to lack of space, proper ventilation and safe conditions for the applicants),” it added.

Following the operation, DMW–National Capital Region and the Migrant Workers Protection Division issued Closure Order No. 2 against the establishment.

Local government units assisted in securing the area and ensuring the orderly conduct of the rescue operation.

The DMW coordinated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide immediate assistance to the rescued applicants, including financial aid and temporary shelter.

Authorities said the operation is part of intensified government efforts to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The DMW also reminded the public to carefully verify recruitment agencies, job offers, and overseas employment arrangements before making any payments or commitments.

“Patuloy na nananawagan ang DMW sa publiko na maging mapanuri sa mga alok na trabaho sa (The DMW continues to urge the public to be discerning with job offers) abroad,” it said.

“Hinihikayat din ang publiko na agad i-ulat sa DMW o sa kinauukulan na awtoridad ang anumang kahina-hinalang recruitment activity upang mas maprotektahan ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga OFW at aspiring OFW, laban sa illegal recruitment at (The public is also encouraged to immediately report any suspicious recruitment activity to the DMW or the appropriate authorities to better protect our fellow citizens, especially OFWs and aspiring OFWs, against illegal recruitment and) human trafficking,” the agency added.