Ill-bred DMW Worker Disrespects OFWs, Fired, Recalled from Bahrain Post

Ill-bred DMW Worker Disrespects OFWs, Fired, Recalled from Bahrain Post

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 10, 2026

MANAMA, Bahrain – A Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) personnel stationed in Bahrain has been recalled and removed from his post after a video of him dismissively turning away distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking assistance at the Philippine Embassy went viral on social media.

The DMW employee, identified as Anthony Allermo, was captured on video on Sunday, March 8, instructing OFWs gathered outside the embassy to leave, citing a lack of funds.

Allermo stated, “There are no funds; you cannot be entertained anymore. It’s over. Go complain to whoever you want in Manila; it is Manila that says there are no more funds.” His confrontational remarks sparked immediate outrage among the OFW community.

The viral footage quickly attracted the attention of Senator Raffy Tulfo, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers. Senator Tulfo promptly contacted DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac on Monday, March 9, to formally lodge a complaint regarding Allermo’s conduct.

Minutes after their discussion, Secretary Cacdac publicly announced on his official social media page the recall of the Bahrain-based DMW personnel.

“I have issued the order recalling that MWO Bahrain employee for being highly disrespectful to OFWs in a viral video,” Secretary Cacdac stated. He further assured the public, “I assure our dear OFWs that we shall continue to serve with humility, respect, and hard work.”

This incident follows the earlier distribution of 20 Bahraini Dinars (approximately PHP 3,000) per OFW as food assistance amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, a situation that has severely impacted OFWs in the region.

The OFWs expressed deep resentment over Allermo’s behavior. One OFW lamented, “Some DMW staff look down on us OFWs. They should remember that every meal they eat and feed their families comes from our blood and sweat. They wouldn’t be in their positions if not for us OFWs. We just ask for a bit of respect and compassion, not to be treated like animals.”

Questions also arose regarding Allermo’s claim of insufficient funds, with OFWs highlighting reported allocations.

“Mr. Anthony Allermo of the Migrant Workers Office, why are there no funds?” an OFW questioned, adding, “The DFA boasts of P1 billion, and the DMW has P2 billion in funds, yet there are no funds!” Another voiced frustration, “What is your purpose then for our heroic OFWs?”

This is not the first instance of a Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or DMW official being accused of disrespectful behavior towards OFWs, raising concerns about the agency’s frontline services and the need for consistent professionalism in assisting migrant workers.

The DMW’s swift action in recalling Allermo is seen as a crucial step in addressing these concerns and upholding its commitment to serving OFWs with dignity and respect.