Illegal recruiter caught over UK visas

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a suspected illegal recruiter who allegedly collected thousands of pesos from those applying for traveling visas to the United Kingdom (UK).

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring identified the suspect as Moises Carreon Dejolde Jr. of the UK Advisory and Consultancy Services, which has offices at Room 211 YMCA Building on Session Road in Baguio City.

Dejolde was arrested in his office at 1375 General Luna Street in Ermita, Manila and is currently detained at the NBI jail.

The Aug. 21 warrant was issued by Judge Edilberto Claravall, of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 60. The court recommended no bail for Dejolde, who was charged with large-scale illegal recruitment.

NBI-Special Task Force chief Head Agent Arnel Dalumpines said that apart from a case in Baguio City, their records showed that Dejolde was also named in other illegal recruitment cases in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Calamba, Laguna; and Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Three out of the 18 people Dejolde allegedly duped in Baguio City went to the NBI and complained that he  reportedly received between P400,000 to P450,000 from each of them, which he said would be used to process their working visas.

He also offered to process student and tourist visas for the UK.

The complainants became suspicious when he failed to deliver the promised visas. A check with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed that he is not a licensed recruiter.