NBI arrests 'illegal recruiters'

CEBU, Philippines - Four alleged illegal recruiters were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation in a mall in Manila for victimizing at least 50 overseas job applicants.

Assistant Regional Director of NBI-7 Lauro Reyes said Judge Simeon Dumdum of the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 issued the arrest warrant against the four for large scale estafa.

The accused were identified as Fernando Geronimo, the alleged leader of the syndicate; Anna Lisa Samson, Ronualdo Geronimo and Evangeline Liwanag.

They claimed they worked for Global Alliance Consultancy and Immigration Specialist Inc./United Alliance Consultancy.

Their fellow accused, Cynthia Mateo, Alisha Batac, Jess Miniano and Daisy Ibarra, remain at large.

Reyes said around 50 overseas job applicants went to their office and asked for their assistance claiming they were victims of illegal recruitment and estafa.

The accused allegedly promised them jobs in the United States and asked them to pay P25,000 as acceptance fee and P1,000 for interview and other fees.

They were also asked to pay P200,000 as placement fee.

One of the victims said they learned about the recruitment activities of the firm through fliers and advertisement in the local dailies.

When they sensed the dubious operation of the firm, the victims demanded their money back but the agency failed to do so prompting them to seek the assistance of the NBI.

The NBI then filed charges against the accused.

The NBI, in a press statement, said the agency falsified documents such as income tax receipts, DTI permit, bank account certification and land titles to support of visa application of the victims.

Reyes said the US Embassy in Manila coordinated with the NBI for the immediate arrest of the accused.

Reyes said accused Samson and Ronualdo were arrested on August 3, in a mall in Manila.

They just came from a hearing for another illegal recruitment case.

On August 17, Fernando and Liwanag were arrested near a mall in Manila.

Reyes said Fernando initially tried to hide his real identity but eventually admitted he was Fernando Geronimo.

Aside from the 50 victims in Cebu, there were about 600 victims in Luzon who filed charges of illegal recruitment and estafa against the accused.

The four are now detained at the Cebu City jail after the court issued a commitment order.

Reyes reminded the public to be careful in dealing with recruiters and to verify first if the agency is licensed before applying for a job abroad.    - THE FREEMAN