06/08/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING MS. ANGELICA TANDANG
International Progress Inc. (IPI) issues this statement to clarify facts regarding the recent incident involving our deployed worker, Ms. Tandang, and to address circulating unverified reports.
On July 20, 2026 – Incident Reported
At approximately 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Ms. Tandang left her employer’s residence, citing alleged physical abuse by the employer’s 70-year-old bedridden mother. She was later located by authorities along a highway and escorted to the Departure Office, where she remained overnight.
On July 21, 2026 – Immediate Rescue and Assistance
Upon receiving Ms. Tandang’s distress message, IPI’s Welfare Officer took prompt action. We coordinated immediately with our partner agency FRA Dar Akeem, which deployed representatives to fetch her from the Departure Office within two to three hours of notification.
Upon arrival at FRA’s office, Ms. Tandang was provided with medical attention, meals, and properly interviewed.
Investigation and Ms. Tandang’s Decisions
A sworn statement was taken from Ms. Tandang, and an immediate inquiry was conducted. When asked why she could not contact IPI on the day of the incident, she explained her mobile phone had no signal or reception.
She initially expressed interest in changing employers, but later opted to request repatriation to the Philippines. IPI and FRA advised her to file a formal complaint regarding the alleged incident, but she chose not to pursue any legal action.
Current Status
Ms. Tandang remains under the care of FRA Dar Akeem while her exit visa and travel documents are finalized. She already holds a confirmed return ticket and is scheduled to arrive back in the Philippines on August 10, 2026. All statements obtained were recorded with her full and informed consent, in compliance with data privacy regulations.
CLARIFICATION ON CIRCULATING INFORMATION
Ms. Tandang confirmed that her family sought assistance from media and organizations because they were unable to reach her during the incident – acting solely out of concern and assumption, not based on verified facts.
Claims that IPI abandoned or neglected our worker are unfounded. All actions taken were done in full coordination with our partner agency and strictly in line with our mandate to protect the welfare of our deployed workers.
Unverified reports have unfairly cast doubt on IPI’s 40-year reputation for responsible, ethical recruitment and deployment.
While we uphold freedom of the press, we call for responsible journalism – one grounded in fairness, balance, and verified facts.
We remind the public that proper venues for impartial investigation and resolution of employment-related concerns are the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
We remain committed to upholding the rights and welfare of every Filipino worker we deploy, and to full transparency in all our dealings.
- INTERNATIONAL PROGRESS INC.
40 Years of Ethical Recruitment and Deployment
