March 12, 2026
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has convened labor attachés and reminded overseas migrant workers office personnel to remain committed to serving Filipinos abroad, especially in times of crises such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region.
Cacdac, in a radio interview on Thursday, said the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Bahrain staff member who acted disrespectfully towards overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking cash aid was ordered to return to the Philippines.
“Malungkot at hindi karapat dapat na mangyari, at hindi rin siya karapat dapat maglingkod kaya’t recalled siya at will face a full investigation pag-uwi dito sa Pilipinas (This is sad and unjustifiable, and he is also unfit to serve, so he was recalled and will face a full investigation upon returning to the Philippines),” he said, adding that the staff will likely face administrative sanctions.
“We need to take him out of there, lalo na sa ganitong panahon (especially during this time),” he added.
The MWO Bahrain staff member was caught on camera showing him behaving rudely toward OFWs, even telling them that there were no available funds for assistance and challenging them to complain to whoever they want.
Cacdac stressed that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and highly disrespectful.
“Sa panahon ngayon hindi ganyan ang tamang behavior ng kawani ng pamahalaan (In this kind of situation, that is not the proper behavior of a government employee), we should be the source of sobriety and hard work and humility and service,” he said.
Cacdac said the employee has yet to issue a formal explanation, but given the staff’s behavior, he said an explanation is no longer needed.
“The video alone speaks for itself,” Cacdac said.
Following the incident, Cacdac said he immediately convened labor attachés and reminded overseas migrant workers office personnel to remain committed to serving Filipinos abroad, especially during crises.
“Pinaalalahanan ko sila na (I reminded them to) maintain your sense of service and dedication to the OFWs. Patuloy lang tayong maniibihan (Let’s continue to serve), stay focused on our work and serve in these trying times at sa oras ng pinakamatinding pangailangan ng ating OFW (and amid these trying moments for our OFWs),” Cacdac said. (PNA)