SEVERAL Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from South Korea are appealing for government protection against Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey, Jr., citing threats and harassment following their filing of a qualified trafficking-in-persons case against him and his staff.
On April 5, 2025, complainants Maida Ganot, Imee Montero, Marylie Payot, Dennis Tupaz, and Myra Mahinay filed charges against Governor Demerey and his associates, alleging extortion and exploitation under the Dinagat Islands LGU’s Seasonal Workers Program in South Korea. The OFWs claim they were subjected to multiple layers of exploitative practices, despite the Governor’s promises of fair employment.
The OFWs, hailing from Jabonga and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, were promised agricultural work in South Korea in exchange for registering as Dinagat Islands residents and voters.
They underwent agricultural training and Korean language lessons as part of the program. However, upon securing visas, they were unexpectedly forced to sign loan contracts with the Dinagat Islands Rural and Migrant Credit Cooperative (DIRAMCC), allegedly for additional training fees. Their ATM cards were also confiscated as collateral.
Fearing their overseas employment would be jeopardized, the complainants signed despite the irregularities. Upon arrival in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, South Korea, they were further compelled to sign contracts assigning their entire salaries to a Korean national, identified as Park Jong Kook or “Mr. Dan.” This was not only to repay their alleged “debt” but also to prevent them from sending remittances to their families. Threats of deportation were used to coerce compliance.
When they sought help from the Provincial Government, Agusan del Norte Board Member Dick Victor Carmona reportedly dismissed their concerns, warning them that their problems were far from over.
After three months, Girley Opsima of the Dinagat Islands Provincial Government informed the OFWs that they needed to pay an additional ₱18,000 to ₱38,000 for contract extensions, contradicting the LGU’s initial claim of only ₱5,000. When questioned about the discrepancy, Opsima reportedly responded, “Tao lang nagkakamali.”
The OFWs subsequently filed a complaint with the South Korean Human Rights Department, detailing the exploitative conditions and extortion they endured. Following their rescue, Governor Demerey and Mr. Dan visited them, allegedly demanding repayment of their alleged debt.
Even after returning to the Philippines, the cooperative and Governor Demerey continued to demand payment, despite the hardships suffered by the OFWs. The threats and harassment intensified after the complainants filed their case in April. Since the court served Governor Demerey and his staff with subpoenas on April 8th, the harassment has continued unabated.
The OFWs are now pleading for government intervention to ensure the swift and just resolution of their case and their protection from Governor Demerey and his officials.
They strongly condemn the Governor’s program, accusing him of exploiting vulnerable workers for personal gain. The case highlights serious concerns about the oversight and potential abuse within government-sponsored overseas employment programs.
