The Department of Migrant Workers rescued 206 overseas Filipino worker applicants from alleged illegal and substandard accommodation facilities in Manila and Imus, Cavite during simultaneous operations on June 6.
The operations were led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac following complaints that some recruitment agencies were allegedly holding OFW applicants in accommodation facilities and demanding payments of up to P50,000 for their release.
Of the total number rescued, 151 applicants were found in facilities in Manila, while 55 were rescued from accommodations in Imus, Cavite.
According to the DMW, some applicants reported that their passports and travel documents had been withheld. Many said they had been waiting for deployment as domestic workers to the Middle East for periods ranging from six months to one year.
The agency said the facilities were overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and unsanitary. Some applicants also reported restricted movement, harassment, and unauthorized collection of fees.
Cacdac has ordered the filing of administrative and criminal charges against the agencies and individuals found responsible. The DMW is also looking into possible human trafficking violations.
The rescued applicants were provided temporary shelter, emergency medical assistance, legal support, financial aid, and access to training, education, livelihood, and reintegration programs.
The operations were conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police, the local government of Imus, and DMW regional offices as part of the government’s campaign against illegal recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation of OFWs.
Cacdac also thanked Sen. Raffy Tulfo for bringing the complaints to the department’s attention and acknowledged the assistance of Imus Mayor Alex Advincula during the rescue operations.
