By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In three simultaneous operations conducted in Bulacan and Cebu on May 16, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down the operations of three language training centers allegedly involved in illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
These establishments were the IWA Language Learning Center in Malolos, Bulacan and the Aseanway Learning and Development Center in Calumpit, Bulacan, including its branch in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The shuttered businesses employ the modus of referring their students to their partner recruitment agencies after they finish their training.
IWA Language Learning Center, in particular, is allegedly asking P50,000 to P70,000 from their trainees in exchange for jobs in Japan, Korea and some European countries as factory workers, hotel staff, agriculture workers, and fruit pickers.
Although these establishments are duly licensed by the Technical Education, Skills, and Development Authority (TESDA), they are not authorized to connive with recruitment agencies and partake in the hiring, referral, and procurement of workers for jobs abroad.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said during interview, “Sa utos ng ating mahal na Presidente (BBM) at ni Secretary (Hans Leo) Cacdac, na lahat ng ilegal na establisimyento na nangangalap ng mga manggagawa nang walang lisensya mula sa DMW ay ating pong ipapasara.”
These closed businesses are now under the scrutiny of DMW, with an ongoing probe on the identities of their registered owners.
jpv
