The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have signed an agreement to strengthen investigations into online illegal recruitment, trafficking and cybercrime targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and PNP-ACG Acting Director Police Major General Andre Dizon signed the memorandum of agreement Thursday, Nov. 5, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City.
The agreement establishes closer coordination between the two agencies in investigating online recruitment scams, fraud, identity theft and other forms of digital exploitation.
Under the partnership, the DMW and PNP-ACG will exchange information, coordinate investigations, strengthen case-building efforts and improve the referral of complaints involving suspected cybercrime.
The agencies will also conduct training on emerging cybercrime methods and incorporate digital literacy, online scam prevention, anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking awareness into the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) for aspiring overseas workers.
‘Before you apply, verify’
Cacdac warned Filipinos seeking employment abroad to verify recruitment agencies and job offers before submitting applications or making payments.
“To every OFW and every family member, before you apply, verify. Check if the agency is licensed and the job order is approved by the DMW. Never pay fees to a personal account, and if you see something suspicious online, report it to the DMW,” Cacdac said.
He emphasized that the agreement would allow complaints received by the DMW to be referred directly to police cybercrime investigators.
“From today, your report will not stop at our desk—it will reach the cybercrime investigators who can act on it,” he added.
Cacdac also warned individuals and groups using the internet to deceive prospective migrant workers that authorities would pursue those responsible.
“Together, we send a clear message to those who use the internet to deceive and exploit our migrant workers that the government is online too and we will find you,” he said.
Dizon, meanwhile, called for stronger cooperation in protecting Filipinos from online exploitation.
“Sama-sama natin palakasin ang ating mga pagsisikap na protektahan ang ating mga migrant workers. Itaguyod ang batas at tiyakin ang isang mas ligtas na cyberspace para sa bawat Pilipino,” Dizon said.
[Translation: Let us work together to strengthen our efforts to protect migrant workers, uphold the law and ensure a safer cyberspace for every Filipino.]
Stronger response to online recruitment scams
The DMW said the agreement aims to improve how complaints from OFWs and their families are handled, particularly those involving suspicious recruitment advertisements, fraudulent job offers and online identity theft.
The partnership will also strengthen information-sharing between the agencies to support investigations and the filing of cases against suspected offenders.
The DMW reminded prospective overseas workers to check whether recruitment agencies hold valid licenses and whether advertised job orders have been approved by the department.
Applicants were also warned against transferring recruitment payments to personal bank accounts and encouraged to report suspicious online recruitment activities.
The signing was attended by DMW Undersecretaries Bernard Olalia and Darlene Pajarito, along with PNP-ACG officials Police Colonel Reynaldo Dela Cruz and Police Colonel Richmond Tadina.
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