MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued a stern warning to Filipinos seeking employment abroad, urging them to thoroughly verify job offers to avoid falling victim to illegal recruitment schemes.
The warning follows the arrest and detention of 51 Filipinos in Cambodia for alleged involvement in illicit online scam operations.
According to DMW data, the detained individuals are split across two jurisdictions. A total of 28 Filipinos are being held in Sihanoukville facing felony charges linked to organized crime, which carry potential prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years. Meanwhile, 23 others are detained in Battambang facing misdemeanor charges with possible prison terms of two to five years.
All detainees have undergone pre-trial proceedings, with the Cambodian court scheduled to decide whether to dismiss the cases or proceed to trial.
While the government pledges assistance for overseas Filipinos, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that accountability applies to those who knowingly participate in unlawful activities.
“The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) maintains that Filipinos who knowingly participate in illegal scam activities must be held accountable under the law,” said Cacdac.
Cacdac further noted that the state draws a strict line between willing participants and vulnerable victims. The agency is actively working to safeguard individuals who were coerced or trafficked into these operations while ensuring that legal rights and due process are fully protected.
“We will not condone any Filipino who deliberately participates in illegal scam operations. Those proven to be involved must be held accountable under the law. At the same time, it is crucial to identify and protect our fellow Filipinos who have been deceived, trafficked, or coerced into working for such operations,” said Cacdac.
“We will ensure that everyone’s right to due process is respected, and we will uphold the ‘non-punishment principle’ in cases where a Filipino is a victim of trafficking,” he added.
The DMW continues to coordinate with foreign posts to monitor the legal status of the detainees and urges job seekers to verify overseas employment opportunities exclusively through official government channels.