02-08-2025
DMW shuts down agencies for alleged illegal recruitment
Image from video via GMA Regional TV One Mindanao
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down eight branches of a visa consultancy agency across the country, two of which are in Mindanao, for allegedly recruiting individuals seeking to work as teachers in the United States.
Police and DMW personnel served the closure order and padlocked one of the agency's branches in Barangay Maa, Davao City on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The agency's office in Zamboanga City was also shut down.
In Cebu, the regional director of DMW and personnel of the city legal office enforced the closure order on the agency's office.
Authorities said the agency was found to be allegedly involved in recruitment and placement activities without the proper documents from DMW.
'Ang pwede lang po mag-conduct ay 'yung licensed recruitment agency. 'Yung mga binigyan natin ng lisensya ng Department of Migrant Workers. So, kung hindi po lisensyado katulad ng Visa for America, hindi sila licensed recruitment agency,' DMW-11 Director, Maria Carolina Agdamag, said.
The agency allegedly offered job placements in the U.S. for teachers and hospitality workers with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 (approximately P2.3 million to P5.8 million) depending on the applicant's qualifications.
The agency allegedly offered two visa options – J-1 exchange visitor and the H1B dual-intent working visa.
Despite the promises of assistance with visa processing and job placement, no deployment timelines were guaranteed.
DMW-11 said some employees claimed they were unaware of any violations, believing the company was operating purely as a visa consultancy service.
''Yung mga empleyado sinasabi nila hindi nila alam na may violation silang nagagawa because according to them it was not clear to them kung ano 'yung mga transactions nila. Ang alam nila ay visa consultancy lang talaga,' Agdamag added.
Should there be formal complaints, those involved in the operations may face charges for illegal recruitment.
In Cebu, the Cebu City government will check if the agency had complied with the requirements for its office to operate in the city.
Authorities warned the public to be vigilant and verify if the agency they engage with is duly licensed.
'Dapat lisensyado, pormal po sana silang pumupunta sa agency para malaman nila na may existing agency talaga and then pag nagbabayad po, dapat may karampatang resibo,' DMW Adjudication Bureau Director, Atty. Marieta Labong Dela Cruz, said.
Clients who have transacted with the said agency, especially those who have submitted documents or made payments, are urged to file a complaint. —GMA Regional TV
