Two language centers in Bulacan shut down over alleged illegal recruitment, human trafficking

May 16, 2025 , 10:11 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(May 16, 2025) – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday shut down two language learning centers in Bulacan for allegedly engaging in illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

According to the DMW, the IWA Language Learning Center in Malolos and the Aseanway Learning and Development Center in Calumpit offered training in various foreign languages. The programs, however, were also used as a cover to recruit workers for jobs abroad.

“Nakumpirma na modus ng mga naturang learning center na makipag-ugnayan sa travel o manpower agency na may permit sa DMW para sa pagtanggap ng trabaho abroad,” said DMW undersecretary Bernard Olalia.

Migrant Workers Protection Bureau director Geraldine Mendez said the offices charged trainees between P50,000 and P70,000 for supposed job placements in Japan, South Korea, and some European countries as factory workers, hotel staff, agriculture workers, and fruit pickers.

“Ang kanilang modus ay pagre-refer ng mga estudyante nila after makapag-training ng Japanese (or foreign) language sa kanilang allegedly partner recruitment agencies sa Maynila,” said Mendez.

The DMW also found that both centers failed to meet the standards set by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The DMW said it has coordinated with the local government units to enforce the closures.
Olalia said a full investigation is underway to determine whether the two centers are owned by the same person or family.

Over the past few months, hundreds of Filipinos have been rescued after falling victim to illegal recruitment and human trafficking, mostly in scam hubs in Southeast Asia.

The government has repeatedly reminded the public to be more cautious about job offers abroad, especially those posted online.

In 2024, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police investigated 417 cases of human trafficking, an increase from 277 cases in the previous year.

(With reports from Thony Arcenal, News5)

(PM)

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