MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said a ransomware attack prompted the shutdown of its online systems early Tuesday morning.
In an advisory posted on its social media pages, DMW said that due to the attack, its Management Information Technology System had to take pre-emptive measures to protect overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) data and information, such as taking the systems offline.
“While efforts to restore online systems are ongoing, electronic or online systems that issue Overseas Employment Certificate/ OFW passes and OFW information sheets, and other online services may not be used temporarily,” the agency’s advisory stated.
“Rest assured, DMW databases containing OFW data were not affected by the attack, and that the DMW is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to restore online systems and ensure continued protection of the data and information of OFWs,” it added.
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.
The DMW said it is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration and airport authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of OFWs.