CIDG arrests illegal recruiters in Manila

Miami
April 17, 2008
Story 2: CIDG arrests illegal recruiters in Manila

Elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 17 illegal recruiters including the owner of the recruitment agency in Manila after they received reports that some Filipinos they recruit to work abroad were being deported back in the Philippines.

The arrest happened last April 15, 2:00 pm at the office of the recruitment agency Excellent Travel Agency located at 1523-1525 M.H. del Pilar Street, Ermita, Manila.

The owner of the recruitment agency who was arrested was identified as Luciano Lim. His employees who were also arrested were Jaime Alaoria, Eloisa Pacheco, Fresa Robles, Ronaldo Linsad, Laudemer Tovillo, Aries Oliveros, Crytel Alejandro, Flordeliza Herpacio, Arceli Palolan, Dennis Guia Perez, Analou Gigante, Diane Cortez, Marilee de Lar, Ernesto Ramos, Ria Evangelista and Ma. Christina Mercado.

The suspects were presented by Sr. Supt Gilbert Sosa, Chief of Anti-transnationals Crime Division to PNP Chief Avelino Razon. The suspects will face illegal human trafficking or violation of Republic Act 9208.

According to Lita Cantillo, one of the victims who was present during the presentation of the suspects in PNP Headquarters Camp Crame, she was able to stay in Singapore for only one month and the authorities already arrested her for possessing illegal documents, she was carrying tourist visa only instead of a working visa and do not have working permit.

The placement fee for the said recruitment agency was Php 200,000, Cantillo said she already pay Php 15,000 as down payment. Remaining amount will be deducted on their salary within their two years contract in Singapore.

The victims did not get anything from their employers in Singapore because of their questionable documents, and they were being deported back in the Philippines.

Items recovered on their office in Ermita were, 13 sets of computer with peripherals, one HP 4185 with cable, two Dot Matrix, one Laser Epson, one fax machine, one video tele-eye recording transmitter, one paper ticket printer, 12 pieces of 1.44 diskettes and Php 48,600.00

In arresting the suspects, Razon wants the CIDG to intensify their arrest more, “I congratulate them for the work they have done, but I would like to push CIDG more to arrest people who are involve in human trafficking.”

Sosa said, as of now, they already are looking to 20 more agencies that has been reported to them doing the same anomaly as Excellent Travel Agency.