The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has revoked the license of a local manning agency amid allegations of exploitation involving 383 Filipino fishermen deployed on vessels in the Indian Ocean.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the agency, Buwan Tala Manning Inc., faced license cancellation due to serious violations of the fishermen's employment contracts, including non-payment of wages, poor working conditions, and irregular work hours.
The fishermen sought assistance from the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) in June after enduring months of mistreatment.
In response, legal assistance was provided to 383 fishermen to file complaints against the agency, with financial aid sourced from the AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) Fund. Additional support was also made available through DMW reintegration programs.
Complaints from the fishermen highlighted severe issues, such as the denial of regular wages and being forced to consume expired food while working under unsafe conditions. Some were even compelled into engaging in illegal fishing activities.
DWM Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia underscored the gravity of these violations, stating that many fishermen had not received their monthly salaries and faced inadequate living arrangements aboard the vessels.
“The DMW, in partnership with the Office of Senator Raffy Tulfo’s office, is preparing criminal actions against those responsible. This is in line with our mandate to protect our seafarers and enforce the provisions of the Magna Carta for Seafarers,” Olalia said.
He assured that the department remains committed to providing ongoing support to the affected fishermen as they seek legal recourse and reintegration into the workforce.