The Department of Migrant Workers on Friday shut down five companies linked to the AUSPHIN Group in Pasig City and Baguio City over alleged illegal recruitment and placement activities involving Filipino workers bound for Australia.

Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara and personnel from the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau led the closure operations on 25 September as part of the DMW’s campaign against illegal recruitment.

In Pasig City, authorities closed AUSKILLS Inc. and VISUME Inc./VISUME App.

In Baguio City, the DMW shut down AUSPHIN International Institute Culinary Arts & Business Management Inc., AUSPHIN Recruitment and AUSPHIN Consultancy.

The DMW said the companies allegedly offered chef and cook positions in Australia with promised monthly salaries ranging from P200,000 to P250,000.

Applicants with the required experience were allegedly charged processing fees of up to P95,000, while some were also asked to pay additional training and materials fees.

The DMW reminded overseas Filipino workers and other job seekers to verify whether recruiters and placement agencies are licensed and authorized before entering into transactions.

It also warned applicants against paying recruitment-related fees to unlicensed companies.

With the latest operations, the number of establishments shut down by the DMW this year has reached 48.

Individuals who believe they were victimized may seek assistance from the DMW-MWPB through its official channels or email airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph.