Alleged illegal recruiter offering job in Canada arrested  

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested an illegal recruiter who allegedly promised a job in Canada.

In Bam Alegre’s exclusive report on Balitanghali Thursday, the illegal recruiter was caught in a bypass operation while receiving money from one of the victims.

His victims went to the PNP-CIDG Anti-Transnational Crimes Unit in Camp Krames in Quezon City last night.

The illegal recruiter initially had 27 victims.

Police Lieutenant Luther Pantia, ATCU-CIDG sections chief operations, said the victims usually see the recruiter's post on Facebook or through referral.

He added that the recruiter is not licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The victims were promised to work as skilled workers or farmers in Canada in exchange for their money amounting to P120,000 to P160,000.

One of them is “Maria” from Naga City, who said the recruiter’s words were promising, but when they arrived in Manila, they were waiting for nothing.

She added that she and four other people even rented a room in Pasay City as they waited for their departure.

“Inexplain niya po sa amin na kami magtatrabaho sa Canada bilang farmers tapos may sinabi siya na malaki ang sweldo, free accommodation tas free food. Pag nakarating kami sa Canada marerefund yung nagastos namin,” Maria said. 

(He explained to us that we would work in Canada as farmers. He also said that the salary there is high with free accommodation and free food. Once we arrive in Canada, we will be able to get our money back.)

Meanwhile, “Ilana” from Sultan Kudarat said the recruiter promised her a big income and a swift opportunity when he was recruiting her in her barrio.

She added that she borrowed P10,000 from her brother-in-law and another P60,000 from her other brother-in-law.

“Ilana” also mortgaged her son’s motorcycle and a land title.

The police have yet to present the suspect who accepted the money in the entrapment operation since the follow-up operation is ongoing.

Authorities are also investigating if the illegal recruiter is part of a big group.

Pantia urged the public to be careful when applying for work abroad since there are people posing as a legitimate recruiter without a license from the DMW.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News