The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ordered two language learning centers in the Municipality of Minglanilla and Cebu City closed for alleged illegal recruitment.

DMW 7 Director Jhoaden Lucero led the closure of the two language centers in Cebu.

DMW 7 first closed a Japanese language school in Barangay Linao-Lipata, Minglanilla. The operation was conducted despite an ongoing Japanese language class attended by eight students past 10 a.m. on August 11, 2025.

According to alias “Angel,” a 25-year-old student, they are on their sixth month of a nine- month language learning session. Their tuition was set at P72,000 but they were given reportedly a discount arranged at P3,000 to be paid on a monthly basis.

The learner said they were promised of work in Japan after completing the course and acquiring basic Japanese language proficiency.

The owner of the building, Myrna Oberes, said that the learning center has been renting space for one year and four months, and that the owner of the center is reportedly in Japan.

It was further learned from John Niño Caparas, staff member of the Minglanilla Local Government Unit's Business Permit and Licensing Office, that they sent a notice twice to the said learning center for operating sans business permit.

In addition, a language center in Barangay Cogon Ramos, Cebu City was also closed past 1 p.m. for the same violation.

Alias “Mark,” the owner, said that they have not engaged in any recruitment activity. He denied promising jobs to their students.

However, according to Atty. Eric Dollete, director of DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau, the language center is culpable for illegal recruitment by referral.

DMW officials pointed out that the two language centers were placed under surveillance for months prior to the closure when the violations were confirmed.

Moreover, the two language centers are the third and fourth centers ordered closed by the DMW in Cebu in 2025 since the agency started going after illegal recruiters.