Department Order No. 61, issued last 08 July 2004, suspended the processing and deployment of OFWs for Iraq. Accordingly, the following recruitment activities for Iraq are prohibited: canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing or procuring workers including the act of referring, contract services, promising or advertising for employment to Iraq.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is hereby directed to maintain close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee - Task Force Iraq for the re-assessment of the prevailing condition in that country.

Administrative and criminal charges shall be filed against licensed agencies and/or principals found violating this Order.

For strict compliance.

Adopted: 08 Nov. 2004


(SGD.) PATRICIA A. STO. TOMAS
Secretary