Alleged labor trafficking charges filed vs teacher Rey Badajos Dacul

By  Cristina DC Pastor

An English teacher and prominent community leader is under investigation by the Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Washington D.C. for alleged labor trafficking.

The complaint states that Rey Badajos Dacul (also known on Facebook as Ray Badajos Dacul) “operates a labor trafficking scheme masquerading as an employment and immigration services agency that can deliver the American Dream to teachers in the Philippines.”

The case number is: 2025-CAB-001228

The agencies also identified as defendants are Sky High Travel & Tours International and  Integrated Global Models Events Management Services. Both agencies — reportedly owned by Dacul from Basey, Samar — have offices in Tacloban City.  

It is alleged in the complaint that Dacul, a leading member of the teachers organization United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) “induces Filipino teachers to move to the District and pay thousands of dollars in upfront fees.

“In exchange for these upfront fees, Dacul promises to secure these teachers high-paying teaching positions in public schools, work visas with a path to permanent residency, free housing and other services.”

The alleged victims would discover they have been “deceived, trapped in exploitative working conditions and illegal housing conditions” once they arrive in D.C.

Also named as Dacul’s co-defendants are Aster Assefa and Tina Zewde, both of Washington D.C. They are represented by attorney, Richard Schimel.  

Ronie Mataquel, the president of UNIFFIED, has testified for Dacul, according to court documents.  “Defendant’s witness Ronie Mataquel present via WebEx and sworn testimony taken.”

The plaintiff in the case is the government through the District of Columbia, represented by Elizabeth Feldstein of the Office of Attorney General. It states Dacul has allegedly violated wage payments, labor and employment laws contained in codes CPPA, MWRA, WPCL, and BRCA.

On his Facebook page, Dacul has posted information about libel and cyberbullying, stating how “Black propaganda is a type of disinformation…is often created…usually to damage the reputation or manipulate public opinion.”

“Black propaganda typically includes false or misleading information, forged documents, or fabricated narratives. It is commonly used in warfare, politics, and intelligence operations to undermine enemies or influence audiences covertly.”

Dacul has almost 20 years teaching experience in the Philippines and the U.S. and has received numerous awards for his community engagement.