Woman faces illegal recruitment charges

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office found probable cause to indict a manager of a recruitment firm for syndicated illegal recruitment for allegedly promising jobs abroad to at least 11 applicants, but failing to deploy the recruits despite payment.

Talisay Prosecution Chief Marshall Rubia approved the indictment of Ana Laguna before the Regional Trial Court for violation of the Republic Act 8042 or large scale illegal recruitment. No bail was recommended for her temporary liberty.

Complainants Arlene Tuazon, Emelia Navarro, Felicisima Caiban, Brenda Mansueto, Graciela Pino, Ma. Chona Racaza, Elvie Datoy, Vivian Igpit, Brenda Pabroa, Ma. Mildred Masocol and Cristina de Gracia Bacalso filed the complaint against Laguna after they found out that she is no longer allowed to recruit workers for overseas jobs.

The complainants alleged that Laguna received from them a total of P1,121,293 as placement and processing fees for their application abroad.

They said that sometime between 2007 and 2008, they went to Aqua-Gem International Corporation where Laguna is the manager to apply for jobs. Most of them were allegedly promised to be deployed as caregivers in Cyprus and Canada.Upon application, they were allegedly required to pay processing and placement fees and Laguna allegedly even assisted them in obtaining a loan from a lending company so they could pay the fees.

After all requirements were complied with, they were reportedly given a schedule of their departure. The complainants were forced to seek assistance from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after the supposed departure did not materialize.

Laguna denied the allegations, saying she recruited the complainants when she was still connected with Aqua-Gem Manpower Corporation. She contended that the company’s license was not yet suspended when she enlisted the complainants.

Laguna also questioned the jurisdiction of the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the case, saying the alleged violation was committed in Cebu City.

But the Talisay Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Laguna’s claim and elevated the case in court. Investigating Prosecutor William Canta said probable cause exists to hold Laguna on trial.

Laguna’s alleged cohort, Mechel Lopuz, was arrested earlier in Tabunok, Talisay City and is presently being tried for the same offense.

However, the prosecutor’s office dismissed Laguna’s claim and instead elevated the case in court. — Fred P. Languido/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)