MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers revealed on Wednesday that it has temporarily halted the processing of seasonal workers to South Korea from seven Local Government Units (LGUs) due to ongoing issues with illegal recruitment.

In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the department had identified cases of illegal recruitment in these LGUs, but chose not to disclose their names.

“We [have] been very strict about compliance with protecting mechanisms regarding the safety and well-being of the seasonal workers and for that reason, seven LGUs – the processing of workers from seven LGUs have been on hold for various reasons because we have found cases of illegal recruitment in these LGUs,” Cacdac stated.

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However, he assured that they are addressing the situation as they have identified areas that need to improve their handling of seasonal worker recruitment.

The DMW is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal recruitment, with 37 cases currently filed involving 118 complainants. Notably, three of these cases have progressed to court, with respondents facing formal charges. Of these active cases, one is taking place in Pasay, while one is in Davao, and they remain ongoing in the legal process.

However, one case in Tarlac was dismissed after an out-of-court settlement was reached, which Cacdac expressed disappointment over.

“Meron pang ongoing cases ngayon in court. One in Pasay and one in Davao are ongoing. However, one in Tarlac has been dismissed due to an out-of-court settlement by the complainants,” said Cacdac.

“We’re working closely with this [as] we’re not happy with this out-of-court settlement and we are still finding ways in which if there are other cases involving the same respondent, then we will continue to seek the prosecution,” he added.

According to Cacdac, approximately 6,100 seasonal workers have been legally deployed from across 58 participating LGUs. He confirmed that these workers have been processed with contracts that guarantee employment terms. As of now, 4,114 of these workers remain employed, 1,648 have completed their contracts, and 399 are yet to finish theirs.

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“Since that time [in] January early this year, we have had 6,100 deployed and to break down the 6,100, they cover 58 participating LGUs and of the 6,100 we were able of course to process them through contracts,” he said.

“To break it down, 4,112 have been monitored to be still on site working, and 1,648 have finished their contracts, and we have 399 with unfinished contracts,” he added.

The DMW emphasized that the protection of migrant workers remains a top priority and that further measures will be taken to ensure their safety and well-being in line with legal recruitment practices.