DMW, CIDG arrest suspect in alleged U.S. job scam

Authorities have arrested Hanz Daniel Ordas, who is accused of illegally recruiting Filipinos for supposed jobs in Miami, Florida, including housekeeping positions with promised salaries of up to ₱150,000 a month.

The arrest followed complaints filed with the Department of Migrant Workers’ Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (DMW-MWPB) by Filipinos who said they were offered work opportunities in the United States and asked to pay various fees connected to their planned deployment.

According to the complainants, Ordas allegedly collected money for documents, visa processing, transfer fees, medical examinations and other expenses. Authorities said the reported payments have so far reached about ₱48,000.

After evaluating the complaints, the DMW referred the case to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (CIDG-ATCU) for a joint investigation.

Authorities said they later received information that Ordas was allegedly continuing his recruitment activities, prompting the DMW and CIDG to conduct an entrapment operation.

The operation led to his arrest.

Following his arrest, Ordas was informed of his constitutional rights and brought to the CIDG-ATCU office for booking and processing.

Investigators are now looking into whether more Filipinos may have been approached or victimized by the alleged recruitment scheme.

The DMW is urging other possible complainants to come forward and file complaints, saying they may also receive free legal assistance.