NATION

DMW, PNP-ACG team up vs. online recruitment scams

Neil Alcober · Nov 6, 2026, 1:40 PM

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warns overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) about fake overseas job offers and online scams, urging applicants to verify licensed recruiters, valid work visas, and official receipts, while promoting reintegration, livelihood, and skills training programs for returning OFWs.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has partnered with the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to strengthen the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families against online illegal recruitment and cybercrime.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and PNP-ACG Acting Director Police Major General Andre Dizon led the signing ceremony at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, as part of the collaboration between the two agencies against digital exploitation and other cybercrimes.

The agreement covers the dissemination of information on online scams, digital literacy, anti-illegal recruitment, and trafficking, as part of the pre-employment orientation seminar. This also includes training on new cybercrime methods, case building, information exchange, and coordination of investigations against online illegal recruitment, trafficking, fraud, and identity theft.

Through the referral and coordination of the DMW and PNP-ACG, the goal is to enhance the response to complaints from OFWs and their families.

Cacdac emphasized the importance of ensuring that recruitment agencies are legitimate and that job orders are approved by the DMW before applying for work abroad.

“To every OFW and every family member, before you apply, verify. Check if the agency is licensed and the job order is approved by the DMW. Never pay fees to a personal account, and if you see something suspicious online, report it to the DMW," Cacdac said.

"From today, your report will not stop at our desk—it will reach the cybercrime investigators who can act on it. Together, we send a clear message to those who use the internet to deceive and exploit our migrant workers that the government is online too and we will find you," the DMW chief added.

Dizon also called for cooperation to protect migrant workers against crimes occurring online.

"Together, let us strengthen our efforts to protect our migrant workers. Uphold the law and ensure a safer cyberspace for every Filipino," Dizon said.