The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered a travel agency in Misamis Oriental closed for allegedly engaging in illegal recruitment activities.

Led by DWM Assistant Secretary Francis Ron De Guzman, members of the DMW Licensing and Adjudication Service and the police raided the agency in Barangay Poblacion, Initao town morning on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

The two employees of the establishment present during the operation reportedly failed to present documents.

“They’re operating as a recruitment agency without the license. That’s a violation kasi malinaw naman. You could only operate as recruitment agency… madiin yung batas na you need to have a license from formerly POEA, now the Dept of Migrant Workers,” De Guzman said.

One of the employees said they knew that they are operating as a travel and tours agency, but they are just helping those who want to work overseas.

“If ever nay mo-consult sa amo about abroad, mao na usahay nag-offer gyud mi nga nay ingon ani nga help kung naa lang mo-inquire,” the employee, Nicole Catalan, said.

DMW explained that referring a person to a recruitment agency, and collecting placement and processing fees, are prohibited and illegal.

“Sa RA 8042, mere referral kung wala kang license from the DMW to engage in recruitment kagaya ng pagkukumbinsi at mayroon ka na-convince at ni-refer mo sa isang agency, illegal recruitment na yan,” DMW-10 Director, Atty. Fidel Macauyag, said.

The owner and personnel of the establishment are facing possible charges.

This is the 11th alleged illegal recruitment agency that was shut down by DMW since January 2024 and the first in Mindanao.

“Warning na po doon sa mga nagbabalak… you’ve been warned. Sooner or later, we will get you,” De Guzman said.