58 OFW applicants rescued from unregistered accommodation facility in Parañaque

Fifty-eight female Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) applicants were given welfare support after they were rescued from an alleged unregistered accommodation facility in Parañaque City, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported Sunday.

The Department of Migrant Workers (OWWA) conducted a rescue and closure operation at the accommodation facility on Saturday.

The facility was alleged to be unregistered, overcrowded, unsafe, and non-compliant with the required standards for facilities housing OFW applicants.

The women were intended to work as domestic workers in the Middle East.

OWWA provided them with transportation assistance and safe temporary housing in the agency’s partner facility.

A welfare assessment, documentation, case management, and other interventions were conducted to ensure their safety, well-being, and continued access to the appropriate services.

OWWA, DMW, and other concerned agencies continue to coordinate to ensure every OFW applicant receives appropriate protection, welfare assistance, and referral services while their situation is being addressed.

Earlier this week, DMW warned Filipinos planning to work abroad of the risk of being forced into criminal activities by illegal recruiters.

DMW Secretary Han Leo Cacdac explained that there were several cases in which illegally recruited workers were involved in unlawful operations, such as cyber scam hubs.

Aside from exposure to illegal operations, the DMW said that it cannot review the contents of a contract when recruitment is illegal, posing risks of labor exploitation. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News