Department of Migrant Workers Shuts Down Manila Consultancy Firm for Illegal Recruitment

Manila – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Manila has closed down Double D Training Consultancy Services (DDTC) for its involvement in the illegal recruitment of seafarers and offering maritime jobs. The DMW reported that DDTC, located at Room 301, MBI Building, Ronquillo Street corner Ongpin Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, is neither licensed nor authorized to recruit Filipino seafarers or refer them to foreign employers. The decision to padlock the firm followed reports of DDTC conducting illegal operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, The DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) carried out surveillance operations to confirm these reports. The MWPB found that DDTC was charging a processing fee of PHP80,000 per applicant for various sea-based positions, including able-bodied seaman, oiler, and engineer. Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Officer in Charge of DMW, stated that DDTC and its staff would be added to the agency’s ‘List of Persons and Establishments with Derogatory Record’ and would face charges of illegal recruitment. Individuals on this list are barred from participating in any government overseas recruitment program.

Cacdac encourages victims of DDTC to contact the MWPB for legal assistance in filing cases against the firm. He also reminded those seeking overseas employment to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies. The DMW emphasizes the importance of dealing only with licensed agencies and urges potential overseas workers to consult the DMW website for a list of licensed agencies and approved job orders.