DMW urges aspiring OFWs to follow ‘Apat Dapat’ slogan vs ‘labor trafficking’
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As the government intensifies its campaign against human trafficking and illegal recruitment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga is urging aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to observe the ‘Apat Dapat’ slogan to protect themselves from labor trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes.
During the recent Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan on July 2, Attorney Marinelle Aycee Perral, Attorney III of DMW Caraga, emphasized that prevention begins with ensuring that every overseas job application is processed through legitimate channels.
Under the DMW’s slogan on ‘Apat Dapat,’ aspiring OFWs are reminded to:
– Apply only through DMW-licensed recruitment agencies, which may be verified through dmw.gov.ph;
– Ensure that the overseas job being applied for has an approved job order issued by the DMW;
– Personally transact with the recruitment agency at its office and avoid relying solely on online transactions; and
– Always ask for an official receipt for every payment made as proof of transaction and protection against fraudulent activities.
Perral said these simple but essential reminders help applicants verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and overseas job opportunities, significantly reducing their risk of becoming victims of illegal recruitment and labor trafficking.
“As more recruitment activities shift to digital platforms, aspiring OFWs must exercise greater caution and verify every opportunity before accepting overseas employment,” she said.
As for the prosecution of the human traffickers, Perral clarified that suspects may still be prosecuted under Philippine laws even when the crime involves foreign nationals.
“Under the territorial principle, the foreigner will still be charged regardless of their nationality. If an OFW becomes a victim of trafficking in persons (TIP) abroad, our courts can still prosecute these illegal recruiters as long as the recruiter is a Filipino and the case started in the country,” she added.
“For OFWs who have already reached their destinations abroad and unfortunately became victims of labor trafficking or exploitation, DMW advises them to seek help from the nearest Philippine Embassy if they can and avail of the repatriation services,” Perral told the audience. “If they are unable to go to the embassy, they may contact their immediate families to report to DMW regional offices.”
She emphasized that DMW, through the Repatriation and Reintegration Division, will coordinate with the Migrant Workers Office and the host country’s law enforcers to facilitate rescue operations, provide appropriate assistance, and ensure the safe repatriation of affected OFWs.
The campaign supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader strategy to combat human trafficking by strengthening preventive measures, promoting safe migration, and improving public awareness.
With trafficking syndicates increasingly using online platforms and social media to deceive job seekers, DMW Caraga underscored the importance of sustained public-private partnerships and coordinated government action to stop human trafficking in all its forms.
It continues to encourage aspiring OFWs to remain vigilant, verify all overseas job offers through official channels, and immediately report suspicious recruitment activities, reaffirming that preventing human trafficking is a shared responsibility of government, the private sector, communities, and every Filipino seeking opportunities abroad. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
