CAGAYAN de Oro City — The Department of Migrant Workers in Northern Mindanao is reminding jobseekers and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that help is available locally, as it clarified that the reported 19 illegal recruiter closures were recorded nationwide, not in Region 10 alone. 

DMW-10 StratCom focal person Jumelyn Aluyen said the 19 closures and related enforcement actions cited in earlier reports were accomplishments of the DMW at the national level. 

She said DMW-10 continues to monitor recruitment activities in Northern Mindanao and coordinate with law enforcement agencies on suspected illegal recruitment. 

The regional office monitors online recruitment posts and works with the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to track possible illegal recruitment activities. 

Help for returning OFWs 

At the KABALIKAT 2026 event in Cagayan de Oro City, DMW-10 also highlighted livelihood assistance for returning workers. 

The programs provided:

 ₱780,000 to 52 beneficiaries under the Enhanced Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration; 

₱345,000 to 23 beneficiaries under the Enhanced Livelihood Development Assistance; and ₱435,000 to 29 beneficiaries under the Enhanced Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay program. 

DMW-10 said it checks the progress of these projects through submitted photos and field monitoring. 

It also promoted products made by returning OFWs through its “Buy Local by OFWs” initiative. 

Check before leaving 

DMW-10 Regional Director Emmanuel Toledo urged aspiring OFWs to check their recruiters and job offers before paying or leaving the country. 

He advised applicants to use verified recruitment channels, secure a valid employment contract and complete the required documents, including an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). 

DMW-10 has also signed 11 agreements with local government units to set up OFW Help Desks, giving workers and their families a local point for assistance. 

The office has inspected about 10 worker accommodations following reports of unsafe conditions and plans to establish provincial offices next year to bring DMW services closer to OFWs and their families. 

For jobseekers, the message is simple: verify first, pay carefully and seek help from DMW before accepting an overseas job offer.