No bail recommended for 2 illegal recruiters

CEBU, Philippines - Two women charged for allegedly recruiting workers for overseas employment without license will have no temporary liberty as the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office recommended no bail against them.

Prosecutor Misty Leah Escolar-Hupp held Erlinda Cruz and Ma. Juliet Brongcano, both of Ocaña, Carcar City, for trial for illegal recruitment in large scale.

The two allegedly recruited Charie Sabanate, Raul Sergida and Ernesto Parinasan Jr. as hospital staff in Italy even though they had no license to do so.

“…mutually helping each other, with deliberate intent, with intent to gain, did then and there engage in recruitment and placement activities of workers for overseas employment, without previously obtaining a license therefore from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration,” said Hupp.

 Through the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation-7, Sabanate, Sergida and Parinasan sued Cruz and Brongcano before the prosecutor’s office.

 The complainants said they were recruited by the suspects as hospital staff in Italy and were each required to pay P55,800 as processing and placement fees.

However, after collecting their payments, the two women failed to deploy them abroad and did not return their payment despite demands.

 Upon inquiry, it was revealed that Cruz and Brongcano had no license from POEA.

The suspects failed to submit their respective counter-affidavit despite being summoned by Hupp, prompting the prosecutor to resolve the complaint based on the evidence of the prosecution.

Hupp then found probable cause to indict Cruz and Brongcano of the offense charged. — (FREEMAN)