DMW reiterates importance of legal processes, dangers of undocumented migration

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) emphasized the importance of legal processes and the dangers of undocumented labor migration following the killing of two Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Lebanon.

In a radio interview on Thursday, DMW Undersecretary Bernardo Olalia said that one of the victims had difficulties going home as an undocumented worker for the past 11 years.

He said this was being viewed as a possible motive behind the killings.

“Medyo komplikado kaya kinakailang alamin natin ang buong katotohanan,” he shared.

(It’s quite complicated so we need to know the full truth of what happened.)

After the deaths of the OFWs, Olalia issued a reminder for labor agencies to keep track of their workers abroad.

They also reminded aspiring OFWs to ensure that they undergo the proper deployment process so that they are well-protected in instances similar to what occurred in Lebanon.

He added that the DMW is making stronger efforts to ensure Filipinos are aware of safe labor migration.

“Mayroon tayong framework at yun ang dapat sundin ng lahat ng nagnanais na magtrabaho sa abroad. Wag tayo magsho-shortcut at huwag po tayong pumayag na maging biktima ng illegal recruiter at human trafficker,” said Olalia.

(We have a framework and that is what must be followed by everyone who wishes to work abroad. Let’s not do shortcuts and let’s not allow ourselves to become victims of illegal recruiters and human traffickers.)

“Ang importante dito, patuloy ang pagbibigay natin ng proteksyon, hindi natin pababayaan ang safety measures para patuloy ang promotion of their interest at mabantayan po natin sa lahat at tuloy-tuloy ang ating trabaho,” he added.

(What is important here is that we continue to provide protection and that we do not fall short on our safety measures so we can continue the promotion of their interest and so that we can monitor all of them, and our jobs will continue.) — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA News