MANILA — Philippine authorities rescued 206 aspiring overseas workers from alleged illegal and substandard accommodation facilities operated by unlicensed recruitment agencies in Manila and Cavite province, the Department of Migrant Workers announced Sunday.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the coordinated operations — carried out across four locations — uncovered private recruitment agencies housing overseas Filipino worker applicants in cramped, unregistered facilities, some demanding payments of up to 50,000 pesos for the workers’ release.
“We found about four private recruitment agencies operating accommodations for OFW applicants illegally — they are not registered with the DMW, and worse, substandard living conditions,” Cacdac said at the OFW Global Summit 2026 in Quezon City.
Of those rescued, 151 were found in Manila facilities and 55 in Imus, Cavite. In one Imus apartment unit, approximately 50 workers were crowded into a single small space. All rescued individuals have since been transferred to accommodations provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
The DMW identified six agencies involved in operating the facilities: Job Connections International Manpower Services Inc., TS Pizarro Manpower Services, Construction Incorporated, AAV Talent Training and Management, Samantha Manpower Recruitment Agency Inc., and Prime Goal International Manpower Inc.
Rescued applicants told authorities they had been waiting up to a year for deployment as domestic workers to the Middle East. Several reported restricted movement, harassment, confiscation of passports and travel documents, and unauthorized collection of fees.
DMW Undersecretary Darlene Pajarito described the conditions as “very hazardous,” warning that workers risked falling ill before ever being deployed abroad. “The place is not well ventilated, not well lighted — it’s not a good place to stay,” she said.
The Cavite operation was triggered by an earlier rescue in Pasay City, where authorities learned of additional illegal facilities in the province.
Cacdac said he has ordered the filing of administrative and criminal charges against the agencies and individuals involved, including possible human trafficking charges.
Rescued workers will receive temporary shelter, transportation assistance, and reintegration support. Officials said those wishing to continue pursuing overseas employment will be assisted, while others will be offered skills training and educational opportunities, including caregiving courses.
