Illegal recruiter arrested

CEBU, Philippines - The Investigative Detection and Management Bureau (IDMB) arrested an alleged illegal recruiter during an entrapment operation at noon the other day at a fastfood outlet in barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City.

Reynan Vega, 37, a former Mandaue City hall employee and resident of sitio Pilit in barangay Cabangcalan, Mandaue City was arrested after Jeremias Parofaldino filed a complaint in the IDMB office against him for demanding money in exchange for a job in the United Arab Emirates.

Parofaldino, during an interview with reporters, said he and Vega worked together at Innodata.

He said he just learned recently from Vega that he works in Dubai and enticed him to work there. He said an employer is looking for airport workers.

Through Facebook, Vega told Parofaldino to bring P3,000 to his house so the processing of his papers for Dubai can start.

At Vega’s house, Parofaldino alleged that Vega asked for P9,000 for the initial processing.

On March 23, he alleged that Vega again asked for money, this time P1,800 for his sponsor and P200 for terminal fee.

Last April 4, Parofaldino claimed Vega asked for P26,000  for his fare and visa because by May 9 he can already fly to Dubai.

 But Parofaldino only gave P20,000 and promised Vega that he can have the remaining P6,000 on the day he will fly to Dubai.

Last Saturday, Parofaldino said Vega again contacted him to tell him to send the P6,000 through Western Union and gave an address in Dubai where he worked.

The following day, Parofaldino said Vega called again to say that the money he was to send should be addressed his sister in Lapu-Lapu City.

Parofaldino became suspicious, and together with his wife, went to Vega’s house to find out whether he was still in the country. Parofaldino said Vega’s sister had confirmed that her brother has not left for Dubai.

Parofaldino went to the police and an entrapment was set.

IDMB deputy chief P/Insp Ramil Morpos said that two other complainants have called his office, indicating their willingness to file complaints against Vega who is currently detained at the Casuntingan police station pending the filing of charges. (THE FREEMAN)