THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of a language training center in Davao City for engaging in illegal activities.
In a statement, the DMW disclosed that it has padlocked the Davao Ohayou Language Training and Skills Institute (Davao Ohayou) after it was linked to the illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Japan.
“Based on DMW’s investigation, Davao Ohayou has been offering jobs as caregivers, food manufacturers, and food service crew under the Seasonal Service Worker in Japan,” said the DMW.
“It has been proven, however, that its operations to recruit workers to other countries is not authorized by DMW,” it added.
Under its scheme, the Department said Davao Ohayou is offering a package of language training as well as job placement to Japan.
In exchange, the DMW said its victims are asked to pay P20,000 and an additional P2,000 as an enrolment fee.
“It entices applicants with its alleged connections to legitimate recruitment agencies and foreign employers offering jobs in Japan,” said the DMW.
Aside from the closure order, it said the people behind Davao Ohayou would face charges of large-scale illegal recruitment.
It will also add their names to the DMW List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Record, which will prevent them from engaging in any recruitment activities.
“Victims of Davao Ohayou are urged to coordinate with the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau for the filing of appropriate charges,” said the DMW.
