DMW-7 conducts seminar on illegal recruitment, trafficking to over 200 fisherfolks of Lapulapu City

LAPULAPU CITY –The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW RO-VII) in partnership with the City Government of Lapu-Lapu City headed by Mayor Cindi Chan and the congress representative of the lone district of Lapu-Lapu City Congressman Junard Chan conducted a seminar on Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program (AIRTIP) on September 19,  to over 200 fisherfolks from Olango Island in Lapulapu City better equip them not to fall prey to illegal recruitment and trafficking.

“We have been intensifying our campaign against illegal recruitment and labor trafficking in the region, following reports of forced involvement in illegal activities.  This initiative aims to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking, which often prey on vulnerable groups like fisherfolk,” Jhoaden Lucero, DMW-7 rregional director said at the event.

Lucero added. She stressed that the DMW actively conducts these seminars as part of its broader strategy to protect Filipino workers especially those aiming to work abroad.  The Department raises awareness and educating potential migrant workers—particularly the fisherfolk, a sector often vulnerable to illegal and exploitative overseas employment schemes—about the risks of illegal recruitment and trafficking.

Congressman Ahong, in his message, urged the fisherfolk to be vigilant against scams and to only pursue legal channels when seeking opportunities abroad. The fisherfolk in attendance committed to assist the DMW in its campaign against illegal recruiters and human traffickers.

The seminar addressed a serious vulnerability among fisherfolk, who can be drawn into illegal and exploitative labor, including debt bondage, by fraudulent recruiters. The DMW has repeatedly warned the public, particularly those seeking work overseas, to be cautious of "too good to be true" job offers and to transact only with licensed recruitment agencies, Ahong added.

The DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau/Division uses public information campaigns, such as through its social media, to warn against new illegal recruitment schemes. (Photos: DMW-7/Luchel Taniza)