DMW probes poor conditions of overseas job applicants

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating reports of poor living conditions suffered by overseas job applicants staying in a house provided by a recruitment agency.

The DMW said it has sent a team to check on the welfare of overseas job applicants at the house in Las Piñas.

“It was brought to the team’s attention that several applicants had concerns regarding the accommodation’s house rules, specifically the prohibition on leaving the premises to buy food or to accept visits by their families,” the DMW said.

The applicants also claimed that the recruitment agency is using fake documents, according to the DMW.

The Philippine National Police recently rescued 10 female victims. They were later turned over to a shelter in Mandaluyong.

Also yesterday, 100 fishermen went to the DMW’s main office in Mandaluyong to give their statements after Buwan Tala Manning Agency allegedly failed to pay their rightful wages.

The fishermen told the DMW that they were recruited for deployment onboard vessels cruising the Indian Ocean.

They complained of non-payment of wages, incorrect wage payments, poor working conditions, irregular work hours and being fed “expired” food.

The DMW said multiple complaints will be filed against the manning agency.