The Committee on Migrant Workers of the Davao City Council has sounded the alarm bells over the data involving alleged victims of illegal recruitment in the city.

Based on data obtained by the committee from the Department of Migrant Workers-Davao (DMW-11), up to 112 individuals requested illegal recruitment certification, as of 2025.

Of this number, 72 individuals are from Davao City.

Most of the cases reported are from the districts of Talomo and Marilog where individuals allegedly fell victim to illegal recruitment schemes.

Alleged victims secured the certification from DMW as a requirement for filing cases in court against illegal recruitment agencies.

“These are not mere statistics. These are Davaoeños-our constituents-who have fallen victim to deception, exploitation, and false promises of better opportunities abroad. When it comes to illegal recruitment or human trafficking, even a single victim is one too many,” Committee Chairman, Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, said.

Officials also noted a lack of public awareness regarding the proper process of reporting concerns involving migrant workers, which is why efforts are being pushed to strengthen information campaigns against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

“I call upon all barangay officials, community leaders, and stakeholders in Davao City to fully support and actively participate in the information dissemination campaigns of the Department of Migrant Workers,” Zozobrado added.

DMW urged the public to verify recruitment agencies through its official website to ensure they are licensed and legitimate.

However, authorities clarified that even licensed agencies can still be considered illegal if they offer jobs that are not included in their approved job orders.

“Nag-offer siya sa imoha og nursing nga trabaho, tan-awon gihapon nimo didto ang pangalan niya ABC Recruitment Agency. Tan-awa ang job order niya kay kung wala gani siyay nursing nga job order, illegal recruiter na,” DMW-11 Assistant Director, Marie Rose Escalada, said.