In a significant enforcement move, the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE-7) has issued work stoppage orders to three telecommunications companies in Cebu following serious breaches of occupational safety and health standards.
Growing Concerns Over Worker Safety
The establishments have been directed to attend a conference this week where they will be required to explain the violations and present proof of compliance with labor and safety regulations.
Roy Buenafe, DOLE-7 Director
DOLE-7 Director Roy Buenafe revealed that inspections uncovered workers installing cable wires on utility poles without the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). The firms also lacked designated safety officers to oversee workplace safety, raising alarms about worker protection.
- Approximately 20 work-related accidents reported in 2025
- Continued incidents into 2026, including fatalities
This crackdown comes amid rising concerns over workplace accidents related to telecommunications and utility work in the region. DOLE-7 recorded around 20 work-related incidents last year, with several resulting in fatalities.
Buenafe emphasized the need for qualified safety officers and robust safety programs to safeguard workers from potential hazards. The agency also highlighted the risks posed by improperly managed and dangling wires, which threaten pedestrians and motorists alike.
The orders reflect DOLE-7's commitment to enforcing occupational safety standards, following directives from Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino to enhance workplace safety measures. Before lifting any work stoppage orders, DOLE-7 will assess each company's corrective actions and adherence to safety protocols.
This initiative marks just the beginning of DOLE-7's ongoing labor inspection campaign across various industries in Central Visayas, with further sanctions possible for those found in violation of safety regulations.