THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is conducting an investigation on the alleged illegal recruitment of 25 Filipino fishermen to Namibia.

In a social media post, the DMW said that it is already conducting a probe against Trioceanic Manning and Shipping Inc.

"Investigation is underway on the failure of the manning agency, Trioceanic Manning and Shipping Inc., to monitor the working conditions and assist the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) when their fishing vessel was caught by Namibian authorities illegally fishing in its territorial waters," said DMW.

The 25 fishermen were deployed to Namibia in late 2020.

They were successfully repatriated by the government in batches last week.

In the meantime, the DMW said it has already provided financial assistance to the victims of alleged illegal recruitment.

Each of the fishermen were provided P25,000 in financial aid.

"Distributed were financial aid to 25 fishermen, who were illegally deployed to Namibia," said DMW. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)