DMW partners with TikTok vs illegal recruitment

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has teamed up with TikTok to curb illegal recruitment on social media.

TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms, forged an agreement with the DMW to formalize their collaboration in protecting overseas Filipino workers from illegal recruitment, human trafficking and exploitation.

“We recognize that the fight against trafficking has shifted to digital space where false promises are spread and where vulnerable Filipinos are often the target,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac yesterday said.

Cacdac said the DMW would not just use TikTok to entertain, but also educate Filipino workers on the risks of dealing with illegal recruiters.

Under the agreement, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Dominique Tutay said TikTok would launch a campaign to raise awareness on the menace of illegal recruitment.

Unlike in the past, Tutay said illegal recruiters no longer operate using physical offices that can be shutdown.

The DMW recorded around 300 cases of illegal recruitment in the first six months of the year, up from 71 cases in 2024.

The DMW closed 18 establishments involved in illegal recruitment and taken down over 60,000 posts offering fake jobs.

The DMW also signed an agreement with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, which will assist victims of illegal recruitment.