DMW padlocks Double D Training Consultancy Services illegally recruiting seafarers

DMW padlocks consultancy firm illegally recruiting seafarers
Marita Moaje November 14, 2023 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1213651

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday padlocked a consultancy firm in Manila reportedly involved in the illegal recruitment of seafarers and offering other maritime jobs.

The DMW said Double D Training Consultancy Services (DDTC), which holds office at Room 301, MBI Building, Ronquillo Street corner Ongpin Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, neither has a license nor is authorized to recruit Filipino seafarers or refer them to foreign employers.

Before the closure, the DMW said they received a report that DDTC was conducting illegal operations.

With this information, the department’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) conducted surveillance operations to verify the report.

The MWPB disclosed that DDTC was charging a processing fee of PHP80,000 per applicant for various sea-based positions, such as able-bodied seaman, oiler, and engineer.

DMW Officer in Charge, Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, said DDTC and its staff would be included in the agency’s “List of Persons and Establishments with Derogatory Record” and would face charges of illegal recruitment.

He noted that those on the list would no longer be allowed to participate in any government overseas recruitment program.

The DMW encourages the victims of DDTC to contact the MWPB through its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip, email at [email protected] or through its hotline number +63 2 8721-0619 for legal assistance in filing cases against the firm.

Cacdac reminded those who seek overseas jobs to verify first if the agency they are dealing with has the proper license and is allowed to recruit applicants.

“To our kababayans, especially those who want to work overseas, do not deal with consultancy firms that offer to get you jobs abroad. Always check the DMW website (www.dmw.gov.ph) for the list of licensed agencies and approved job orders. Itong si DDTC wala silang lisensya kaya wala silang karapatan na mag-hire o mag-deploy ng seafarers sa abroad (DDTC does not have a license so it does not have the right to hire or deploy seafarers abroad),” he said. (PNA)