In observance of World Day Against Trafficking, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) forged a partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and TikTok Philippines to intensify the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking, especially targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on July 30, 2025, attended by key officials including DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, IBP Executive Director Jerome Alcantara, and TikTok Philippines Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna. Also present were Allan Panolong of the DMW and Bernardo Olalia, former POEA administrator.
Cacdac reminded OFWs that “you are not alone and not forgotten. You are heroes, not slaves,” reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protect Filipino migrant workers from abuse and exploitation. Rubia-Tutay issued a stern warning to illegal recruiters and human traffickers: “We are warning you—we can take you down.”
The urgency of the initiative was underscored by a sharp spike in illegal recruitment cases—rising from 31 in 2024 to over 300 in 2025. On TikTok alone, around 41,000 videos promoting suspicious recruitment schemes have already been taken down.
Through this partnership, the DMW will help TikTok’s trust and safety team identify fraudulent content, especially those mimicking official DMW announcements to appear legitimate. Meanwhile, the IBP has committed over 1,000 volunteer lawyers across the country to provide legal aid to OFWs in need.
Filipino workers can now report suspicious activity or seek help through the official DMW TikTok account: @dmwphl.
Together, the DMW, IBP, and TikTok PH aim to make “modern-day heroes”—not modern-day slaves—by amplifying the voices of migrant workers, restoring their dignity, and building a future where no Filipino abroad is left behind.