At least seven people were spared from what may have been a problematic employment abroad after the language center they enrolled in was found to be engaged allegedly in illegal recruitment.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) padlocked the Japanese language training center that operated in Mandaue City, Cebu.

DMW said the language center allegedly promised its students employment when they finish a mandatory training program. 

When they finish the program, the center would reportedly refer the graduates to its partner agency. The processing fee would reportedly cost P50,000 to P100,000.

“You are all victims, you are all innocent, as far as we are concerned so do not worry. However, we need to stop this illegal practice of the training center,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac told the trainees.

The students from Cebu and Mindanao said they only wanted to learn Japanese in the hope of entering Japan easier.

One trainee said she has already paid the center more than P10,000.

“Nasayangan… installment man, sir… more than P10K…” she said.

DMW will give the trainees financial assistance.

For its part, Mandaue City will revoke the permit of the language center.

“Usa man sa rason nga maka-revoke ang business permit is if they are conducting illegal activities, said Atty. August Lizer Malate of the Mandaue City Legal Office.

Cacdac said charges will be filed against the owner and the manager of the center.

“Itong owner and the manager who was present will both be charged before the prosecutorial service of the DOJ,” he said.

The manager did not give a statement. She was present when DMW closed the center.