Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has cracked down on two illegal recruitment operations, closing a firm in Pampanga that dangled high-paying jobs in Australia and arresting two people in Isabela linked to fake caregiver posts in Ireland.
According to the DMW, both actions were carried out separately as part of its ongoing campaign to shield Filipino job seekers from recruitment scams. The agency detailed the results of its investigation and entrapment work in a public advisory.
Peloton Workready Ordered Closed in Clark
Led by Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara and Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) Directors Romelson Abbang and Eric Dollete, the DMW halted the operations of Peloton Workready OPC inside Clark Freeport Zone. The move followed a probe into the firm’s unauthorized recruitment of Filipinos for Australian jobs.
Investigators found that the company advertised various positions through a Facebook page and lured applicants with monthly pay of ₱150,000 to ₱200,000. Openings reportedly included:
- Construction workers
- Welders
- Carpenters
- Factory workers
- Other skilled trade roles
Applicants went through document screening, interviews, and trade skills assessments, and were asked to submit passports, employment records, and government clearances. While Peloton claimed a “no placement fee” setup, it still required applicants to shoulder their own travel, documentary costs, interview expenses, and trade assessment fees.
The firm’s officers and involved employees now face illegal recruitment charges. Their names will be added to the DMW List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Record. The agency also recommended canceling the company’s business permit with the Angeles City government and its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2 Arrested in Isabela Entrapment
In a separate operation on August 28, 2026, DMW Region 2, MWPB, and CIDG Isabela agents arrested Emelita Melo and Joseph Arconcil around 10:00 a.m. along P7 Provincial Road in Santiago City.
The two were nabbed at their office, Learghusa/Leisaphil Immigration and Consultancy Services, after victims filed complaints. Authorities said the suspects offered visa assistance and promised guaranteed caregiver jobs in Ireland paying up to €3,200, or more than ₱200,000 monthly. They were booked at the CIDG office in Ilagan before facing inquest proceedings.
Verify Before You Pay
The DMW urged job seekers to check every offer and confirm a recruiter’s authority before handing over documents or money. Victims of these schemes can seek free legal help by reaching out through facebook.com/dmwairtip.