Jordanian, Filipina partner arrested for illegal recruitment

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a Jordanian national and his Filipina live-in partner on allegations of large-scale illegal recruitment that has cost some 100 victims P4 million in fees.

Operatives arrested one Ali Moh Khalil Tarrish and one Myrla Olor at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday, the bureau said Tuesday.

The two allegedly recruited workers upon referral by one Conchita Paculba, who was arrested in an earlier operation, and a certain Virginia Adling and Mel Madera, both at large, the NBI said.

The supposed accomplices allegedly promised victims employment as cleaners, waitresses, delivery personnel, janitors and drivers in Dubai.

Olor allegedly demanded P25,000 to P32,000 for placement and processing fees, but she and Tarrish "repeatedly failed" to deploy the workers, the NBI said. 

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said Tarrish and Olor are not licensed recruiters, according to the NBI . Tarrish also apparently had a standing arrest warrant for estafa.

The pair and their alleged accomplices face a complaint for estafa and for violation of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 before the Pasay City prosecutor's office, the bureau reported. —LDF, GMA News