The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down two establishments in Cavite – a beauty salon and a learning center – after confirming they were being used as fronts for illegal recruitment operations.

The closure, led by DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, was carried out in coordination with the local government of Imus and the Imus Police Station. 

Closed during the mid-day operation were VMJ Beauty Salon, located inside Golden Market, Diamond Golden City, and Jef & Eds Learning Center at Richlane Subdivision in Barangay Anabu 2-E. Both were found to be offering supposed training programs that served as a pretext to charge applicants and funnel them into unlicensed overseas job placements.

According to Alcantara, the operation was carried out under Republic Act No. 11641, which empowers the DMW to investigate and shut down establishments engaged in illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

“We are acting on the mandate given to us under RA 11641 and the clear directive of President Bongbong Marcos and Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to strengthen our campaign against illegal recruitment,” Alcantara said in Filipino.

The DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), headed by Director Geraldine Mendez, acted on a request from the NBI Cavite North District to probe the establishments after receiving complaints from victims.

Surveillance operations were conducted on 5 June, 11 June, and 1 July. Investigators confirmed that VMJ Beauty Salon charged P15,000 from applicants for “training” in hairstyling and spa services, with promises of employment in Saudi Arabia with monthly salaries reaching P35,000. Applicants were also referred to an unlicensed recruitment agency.

During the raid, operatives encountered one beautician inside the salon, while a caretaker and three applicants were found at the learning center, which allegedly doubled as their accommodation.

“These closures should send a strong warning to all illegal recruiters. The DMW, together with the Philippine National Police, the NBI, and other government agencies under the Marcos administration, will pursue, shut down, and file charges against violators,” Alcantara warned.

The business owners behind both establishments will face charges under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (RA 8042). The DMW will also recommend to the Department of Trade and Industry and the local government the cancellation of their Certificates of Business Name Registration.

These are the 17th and 18th establishments shut down by the DMW for illegal recruitment this year.