THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday renewed its call to aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to avoid dealing with fixers when transacting with the government.
In a statement, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said it is imperative for those looking to work abroad to only transact with legitimate DMW personnel as well as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“To the public, we urge you to transact only with authorized DMW personnel,” said Cacdac.
“You do not need to pay any amount. Just make sure your requirements are complete and you’re assured of our services,” he added.
Even before any transactions, the official said the public may already inquire in advance about the application process.
“We have a 24-hour hotline that you can call if you do not know the process,” said Cacdac.
As for fixers targeting aspiring OFWs, the DMW chief said they should cease their operations immediately.
“There will be no let up against those looking to take advantage of our kababayans wanting to work abroad,” said Cacdac.
The DMW issued the statement after the arrest of its security guard, Wenceslao Villagracia, last Tuesday in an entrapment operation.
Two female applicants for domestic work in Bahrain reported that Villagracia demanded P35,000 from each of them to expedite the release of their OWWA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) certificates.
