logo
DMW shuts down Japanese language center in Davao over illegal recruitment

DMW shuts down Japanese language center in Davao over illegal recruitment

Filipino Times2 days ago

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of another Japanese language center (JLC) in Davao City due to illegal recruitment activities.
The center, Sincere Japanese Skills Academy, Inc., is the fourth JLC closed by the agency in just two weeks.
An investigation revealed that Sincere was offering language training programs alongside promises of jobs in Japan. It was found to be working with unlicensed and unauthorized recruitment groups such as the fake Advanced Ability Association (AAA), as well as one licensed agency.
According to testimonies from workers who sought help from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Tokyo, they were charged between Php 3,000 to Php 50,000 for the training. They were also promised jobs as caregivers, food and beverage service crew, or airport ground staff after passing an exam.
The closure was carried out under DMW Closure Order No. 14, Series of 2025.
Sincere and its officials will be added to the DMW's List of Persons and Entities with a Derogatory Record. They are now facing charges related to illegal recruitment.
The DMW is urging other possible victims to come forward and contact the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau through their official Facebook page to receive free legal help and support.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

DMW shuts down Japanese language center in Davao over illegal recruitment
DMW shuts down Japanese language center in Davao over illegal recruitment

Filipino Times

time2 days ago

  • Filipino Times

DMW shuts down Japanese language center in Davao over illegal recruitment

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of another Japanese language center (JLC) in Davao City due to illegal recruitment activities. The center, Sincere Japanese Skills Academy, Inc., is the fourth JLC closed by the agency in just two weeks. An investigation revealed that Sincere was offering language training programs alongside promises of jobs in Japan. It was found to be working with unlicensed and unauthorized recruitment groups such as the fake Advanced Ability Association (AAA), as well as one licensed agency. According to testimonies from workers who sought help from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Tokyo, they were charged between Php 3,000 to Php 50,000 for the training. They were also promised jobs as caregivers, food and beverage service crew, or airport ground staff after passing an exam. The closure was carried out under DMW Closure Order No. 14, Series of 2025. Sincere and its officials will be added to the DMW's List of Persons and Entities with a Derogatory Record. They are now facing charges related to illegal recruitment. The DMW is urging other possible victims to come forward and contact the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau through their official Facebook page to receive free legal help and support.

DMW arrests suspected illegal recruiter, suspends two agencies in surprise inspection
DMW arrests suspected illegal recruiter, suspends two agencies in surprise inspection

Filipino Times

time4 days ago

  • Filipino Times

DMW arrests suspected illegal recruiter, suspends two agencies in surprise inspection

A suspected illegal recruiter was arrested while two recruitment agencies were suspended during a surprise inspection led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Malate, Manila. The DMW identified the suspended agencies as Femex Recruitment Agency and Superred Manpower Services, both found to have violated several DMW regulations. This includes the employment of unregistered personnel and the use of an unlicensed accommodation facility. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac warned the public that some licensed agencies are illegally allowing unregistered individuals to recruit on their behalf—a scheme known as the 'kabit system.' He has ordered further investigation into these practices. 'Dapat kilala natin ang taong nagre-recruit, dapat lehitimo. Kung ang isa doon ay walang lisensya o ang may lisensya ay nagpapagamit ng kanyang lisensya, ito ang kabit system,' Cacdac said. During the inspection, an OFW, who was illegally recruited through Facebook was also rescued. Secretary Cacdac directed that training, employment facilitation, and possible financial assistance be provided to the rescued individual. 'May isa naman doon nag-a-apply, nirefer siya ng illegal sa labas, isang form ng 'kabit system.' Posibleng may opisina doon, o dili kaya nire-refer niya, kaya kasabwat ang legal ng illegal,' Cacdac said.

DMW disputes Arnell Ignacio's claim OWWA land deal was aboveboard
DMW disputes Arnell Ignacio's claim OWWA land deal was aboveboard

Filipino Times

time25-05-2025

  • Filipino Times

DMW disputes Arnell Ignacio's claim OWWA land deal was aboveboard

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has challenged former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio's claim that a P1.4-billion land deal followed legal procedures, calling the transaction 'anomalous.' DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said any property-related decisions involving the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration must first be presented to the OWWA Board of Trustees, where the DMW sits as a member. But the land purchase and key changes to the deed of sale were made without board approval, he said. 'We flagged it as irregular and demanded the return of the funds. Only then was the money refunded,' Cacdac told GMA Integrated News. Cacdac pointed out that in September 2024, Ignacio altered the deed of absolute sale to shift the local transfer tax obligation, amounting to P36 million, without consulting the board. The original version of the deed made OWWA responsible for the tax. The DMW also revealed that the presence of a tenant on the property was never disclosed. As a result, OWWA unknowingly became a 'landlord' and was not receiving rent until the matter was investigated. 'I asked him, 'Where's the rent?' He said, 'We're asking the rent collector.' I asked, 'Who?' He said, 'The former landowner.' Why was the former landowner authorized to collect rent on OWWA's behalf, without board approval?' Cacdac said. He added that the same person who received the P36 million was also given P1.4 million in rent collections. 'And if we hadn't demanded it, the money wouldn't have been returned,' he said. The DMW emphasized that these actions violated financial protocols and transparency standards. In his defense, Ignacio earlier said that the board was informed and that the Land Bank of the Philippines had appraised the property. 'The price OWWA paid reflects LandBank's assessment,' Ignacio said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store