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PNP-CIDG Deploys Special Team to Screen Returning OFWs — Hunting for Traffickers and Illegal Recruiters

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Mar 8, 2026 — 1 min read

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The Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has deployed a special investigation team to support the government's massive repatriation effort for overseas Filipino workers trapped in the war-torn Middle East.

The deployment follows directives from President Marcos and PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to ensure the safety and welfare of returning Filipinos. According to CIDG Director PGen. Robert Morico II, the team will provide investigative and detective assistance to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

But this isn't just about logistics — the special team, drawn from the CIDG's Anti-Transnational Crime Unit, has a critical mission: interviewing and screening every repatriated worker to determine if any have been victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment. That's a real concern, especially with reports of OFWs being sent to conflict zones by shady agencies.

Investigators are also gathering testimonial evidence against illegal recruiters, with the goal of filing criminal complaints against those responsible for sending Filipino workers into danger. The DMW previously reported that 299 OFWs arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 from Dubai last March 5, with over 1,400 more requesting repatriation.

President Marcos has warned that evacuating all affected OFWs at once remains too dangerous due to limited intelligence and the risk of friendly fire incidents in active conflict zones. The government is working to bring them home safely — pero hindi basta-basta, kasi buhay ang nakataya.

Source: The Manila Times

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