The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has officially shut down an illegal recruitment firm that was deceiving Filipino aircraft mechanics with fake job offers in the United States.
What Happened?
On March 13, the DMW, together with local authorities, raided and closed down the unlicensed recruitment agency AEROSTRATEGIES INC. in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The company had been falsely promising Filipino aircraft mechanics high-paying jobs in Texas, despite lacking the proper authorization to recruit workers for overseas employment.
False Promises & Fake Credentials
The agency misled job seekers by posing as an aviation consultancy firm while secretly engaging in illegal recruitment. It offered mechanics a tempting salary of $3,344 per month (around PHP 193,500) to work in Texas, tricking many into believing they had secured a legitimate job opportunity abroad.
However, DMW investigators uncovered multiple violations, including:
Fake business address – The company claimed to be based in San Andres Bukid, Manila, but investigators found that this was only a temporary lodging house. Their actual operations were in Pampanga. No legal recruitment license – The company did not have government approval to send workers abroad. Deceptive business model – It pretended to be a consultancy firm to avoid scrutiny while recruiting workers.
Government’s Strong Warning
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac strongly condemned the firm’s deceptive practices:
“We will not allow illegal recruiters to take advantage of our overseas applicants. This company deceived job seekers by misrepresenting itself as an aviation consultancy.”
The DMW also blacklisted AEROSTRATEGIES INC. and permanently banned its officers from participating in any overseas recruitment activities. The agency further recommended:
Cancellation of the firm’s business permit in Mabalacat City Revocation of its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration
How Victims Can Get Help
If you or someone you know has been scammed by AEROSTRATEGIES INC., the DMW urges victims to report their cases immediately for assistance. You can contact them through:
Hotline: (+63 2 8721-0619)
Email: mwpb@dmw.gov.ph
Facebook: (Official DMW page)
Protect Yourself from Illegal Recruiters
To avoid becoming a victim of fake overseas job offers, the DMW reminds all Filipino job seekers to verify any recruitment agency before applying. Always check with the DMW website or visit their office to confirm if a recruiter is legally authorized.
This latest crackdown is part of the Philippine government’s ongoing fight against illegal recruitment, ensuring that Filipinos seeking jobs abroad are protected from fraud and exploitation.
