The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down an unregistered lodging facility operated by Mirben International Manpower Agency in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, after finding unsafe and overcrowded conditions affecting 160 overseas Filipino worker (OFW) applicants on October 22.
The DMW-National Capital Region, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and barangay officials, conducted the operation following two complaints and inspections.
Authorities found insufficient bunk beds, fewer than 10 toilets and only seven ceiling fans for the 160 applicants. The facility also allegedly charged additional fees for water and food and imposed restrictions on Wi-Fi access and the charging of electronic devices.
OWWA provided transportation assistance and arranged temporary accommodation for the affected applicants at Kabayan Hotel and Bay Area Hotel.
DMW-NCR Regional Director Atty. Falconi Millar assured the applicants that their overseas employment applications would not be canceled and would continue to be processed despite their relocation.
“Dito pa lang sa Pilipinas ay nakaka-experience na kayo na hindi magandang pangyayari. Paano pa doon sa abroad?” Millar said, urging applicants to report unsafe living conditions and seek assistance from the department.
The DMW-NCR encouraged aspiring OFWs to report any threats to their safety and welfare, even before leaving the Philippines.
