By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reported the rescue of 206 aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from alleged illegal and substandard accommodation facilities following a series of coordinated operations in Manila and Cavite.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said during the OFW Global Summit 2026 in Quezon City on Sunday that the operations were ordered amid reports of exploitation and illegal recruitment activities.
Of the total, 151 OFW applicants were rescued from facilities in Manila, while 55 were rescued in Imus, Cavite.
“We had a quadruple operation in four different areas, so higit kumulang may apat na private recruitment agencies na natagpuan namin nag-ooperate ng accommodation for OFW applicants na iligal. Ibig sabihin hindi rehistrado sa DMW (So, more or less, we found about four private recruitment agencies operating accommodations for OFW applicants illegally. This means they are not registered with the DMW), and worse, substandard living conditions,” he said.
“Yung isa napuntahan ko sa Imus, humigit kumulang 50 sila dun sa maliit na apartment unit na yun kaya naligtas natin sila kasama ang OWWA, kasi nasa OWWA hotel accommodation na sila dito sa Maynila (One of them I visited in Imus, there were about 50 of them in that small apartment unit, so we rescued them along with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, because they are now in OWWA hotel accommodation here in Manila).”
Cacdac said the operation in Cavite stemmed from an earlier rescue operation in Pasay City involving OFW applicants staying in another questionable accommodation facility.
From Pasay, the DMW learned of another accommodation facility for OFW applicants in Cavite.
The DMW said the facilities were being operated by Job Connections International Manpower Services Inc., TS Pizarro Manpower Services, Construction Incorporated, and AAV Talent Training and Management.
In Imus, the accommodations were operated by Samantha Manpower Recruitment Agency, Inc. and Prime Goal International Manpower, Inc.
The DMW said the agency received complaints that some recruitment agencies were allegedly keeping OFW applicants in accommodation facilities and demanding payments of up to PHP50,000 for their release.
Some applicants also claimed that their passports and travel documents were withheld.
Several rescued applicants said they had been waiting for deployment as domestic workers to the Middle East for six months to one year, while staying in the facilities.
Some also reported restricted movement, harassment, and unauthorized collection of fees.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Darlene Pajarito said the agency documented the rescued applicants, adding that accommodation facilities for OFW applicants should also be registered with the DMW.
She described the accommodations as “very hazardous,” and workers are subjected to inhumane conditions, adding that because of the situation, OFW applicants may get sick even before they are deployed outside the country.
“The place is not well ventilated, not well lighted, basta hindi siya maganda tirahan (It’s not a good place to stay),” he said.
She said accommodations provided by registered recruitment agencies should also be registered and inspected by the DMW.
Pajarito said the DMW also found accommodations being run by unregistered recruitment agencies, including those with expired licenses.
Olalia said the rescued applicants will receive temporary shelter, transportation assistance, and reintegration support while deciding whether to pursue overseas work or alternative opportunities.
“Ang unang gagawin natin, bibigyan po natin ng opportunities. Yung gustong mag-abroad, mag-aabroad. Pero karamihan sa kanila, bibigyan namin ng offer na mag-aral, mag-upskill. At may mga gustong mag-aral muli ng caregiving (The first thing we will do is provide opportunities. Those who want to go abroad, will go abroad. But most of them, we will offer to study, to upskill. And some want to study caregiving again),” he said.
Cacdac said he has ordered the filing of administrative and criminal charges, and possibly human trafficking, against the agencies and responsible individuals. (PNA)
