A total of 70 personnel and officials of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) were given the authority by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze assets and conduct financial investigations to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Last Wednesday, DMW formally signed its Terms of Reference (TOR) agreement with the AMLC, which certified the said personnel and officials from the agency’s central and regional offices as Deputized AMLC Financial Investigators (DAFI).
Under the said agreement, the DAFI will be given the power to conduct financial investigation, asset freezing, and provide support in the prosecution of the accused of money laundering.
DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac welcomed the said development since it will provide them with more tools to go after illegal recruiters and human traffickers.
He said it shows the government efforts to ensure the financial security and protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) worldwide.
‘Together, we send a clear message: We will protect our migrant workers. We will follow the money. And we will hold human traffickers and illegal recruiters to account for their evil deeds, again we will throw them in jail,’ he said.
For his part, AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David said the new arrangement will also enhance the government campaign against money laundering and financial fraud.
He said it will also help allay the concerns of OFW, when it comes to financial irregularities.
‘As we sign through the enlistment of the DMW officers as deputized financial investigators we significantly strengthen our capacity to investigate and prosecute human trafficking and other unlawful activities committed against OFWs,’ David said.