The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured that the information of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in its database remain safe after a ransomware attack, prompting the agency to shut down its online systems on Tuesday.
In an advisory posted on its social media pages, the DMW said that due to the attack, its Management Information Technology System had to take pre-emptive measures to protect OFW data and information, such as taking the systems offline.
The DMW assured that no OFW databases were affected. The agency said it is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration and airport authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of OFWs.
“While efforts to restore online systems are ongoing, electronic or online systems that issue OECs (overseas employment certificate)/OFW Passes and OFW information sheets and other online services may not be used temporarily,” the DMW said.
The DMW said it is working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to restore online systems. The migrant agency is also working with the Bureau of Immigration to facilitate the departure of OFWs.
To address the issue and allow the continued provision of services to OFWs, DMW said it has activated the following: OFWs securing an Overseas Employment Certificate or OFW pass may proceed to the DMW National Office; Regional Offices and extensions, One-stop Shops, and Migrant Workers Assistance Centers for manual processing of their Overseas Employment Certificate and OFW pass; OFWs securing their information sheets need not go to any DMW office and may only send their request for information sheets at infosheet@dmw.gov.ph and the DMW will send their QR-coded information sheets directly to the requesting worker.
