DAVAO CITY – The city government is pushing for stronger barangay level action to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking, citing Department of Migrant Workers data showing that the city accounts for a large share of reported cases in the Davao region.

Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chairperson of the Committees on Internal Relations and Migrant Workers, said the recent visit by DMW-11 officials aimed to strengthen coordination with the city government to improve programs for Overseas Filipino Workers.

Zozobrado emphasized that, as chairperson of the Committee on Migrant Workers, the city is committed to aligning local initiatives with national programs without encroaching on the DMW's mandate.

The councilor said the most urgent issue raised during their meeting with the agency was the alarming prevalence of illegal recruitment and human trafficking cases in Davao City.

The DMW said Davao City had 72 human trafficking-related cases as of Dec. 31 last year, the highest in the Davao region. Davao del Norte recorded 13 cases, Davao Oriental (12), and Davao de Oro (two).

Zozobrado said that in 2025, 144 individuals sought illegal recruitment certification, with 112 cases, or 78 percent, coming from the Davao region. Seventy-two individuals, or 64 percent, were from Davao City, 16 in Talomo, Marilog (15), Toril (nine), Calinan (seven), Buhangin (four), Bunawan and Poblacion (three each), Agdao (two), and Paquibato and Tugbok (one each). Eleven cases were unidentified but still from the city.

She added that 60 percent of suspected illegal recruiters in the region are residents of or maintain offices in Davao City, indicating that the city accounts for the majority of illegal recruitment cases in the region.

On the barangay level, Zozobrado said the concentration of cases is also troubling, noting that areas such as Toril, Calinan, and several other barangays continue to account for a significant number of reported incidents.

"These are not just statistics," Zozobrado said, describing the victims as Davaoeños who were deceived and exploited by false promises of jobs abroad. She added that even one case of illegal recruitment or human trafficking is already too many.

Zozobrado said many Davaoeños lack awareness on how to report migrant worker-related concerns. She said many do not know who to approach and are unaware of the DMW's existence, mandate, and services.

"This reflects a critical gap not only in enforcement but also in information dissemination," the councilor said, adding that in response to such concern, the DMW is seeking the support of the local government unit.

She said the DMW is seeking support, particularly on the barangay level, to intensify the pre-employment orientation seminar and other advocacy efforts to prevent illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

The councilor emphasized that the fight against illegal recruitment and trafficking cannot rest solely on national agencies and requires the active participation of the LGU and every barangay in the city.

"Our barangays serve as the first line of defense," Zozobrado said, noting that the barangays are closest to the constituents and are in the best position to inform, educate, and protect the people of Davao.

She called on barangay officials, community leaders, and stakeholders in Davao City to fully support and actively participate in DMW information campaigns and help bring these programs down to the grassroots level.

Zozobrado vowed to prioritize measures against illegal recruitment and human trafficking. She said every Davaoeño aspiring to work abroad must be equipped with the right knowledge and protected from fraudulent schemes.