Charges prepared against four "illegal recruiters"

CEBU, Philippines - Formal charges are set to be filed tomorrow, Monday, against four alleged illegal recruiters who were apprehended in Tuburan, Cebu earlier this week.

 The accused are Emma Condevillamar, 59 years old of Poblacion, Carmen, and her daughters, Eve Laguna, 36, and Ivy, 38. They were jailed following several complaints for alleged illegal recruitment. Also arrested was 46-year-old Maria Gemma Asada of Barangay Estaca, Compostela, the errand girl of the mother and daughters.

More than 20 individuals are said to have lost a total of P1.2 million cash for various fees and requirements for a promised work in London, United Kingdom.

As of Friday, only 11 signed their affidavits against the Condevillamars for charges of large-scale estafa.

The Condevillamars reportedly asked large amounts of money from the complainants, promising them a greener pasture and all-out-support once they are in London.

However, some of the recruits later discovered that everything was bogus. 

A citizen’s arrest was made against Eve and Emma at their house in Barangay Cogon, Tuburan last Thursday afternoon.

Asada and Ivy were arrested by the Carmen police during an entrapment operation last Friday morning.

Ivy allegedly assured their victims that her sister Eve who works in the United Kingdom has coordinated with their employer. 

However, Ivy accidentally told the complainants that Eve is actually in Tuburan town for her child’s birthday, which led to Eve and Emma’s arrest.

Jun Branzuela, Marcial Sanchez, Dann Ledesma, Marianito Miralles, Letecia Bejoc, Arjilee Owen, Marivic Argraño, Marie Clear Combate, Carolina Rodrigo, Joannes Abello and Jackelyn Caracut are leading the fight against the Condevillamars.

The accused are facing charges for violating Republic Act 8042 of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995. They are currently detained at the Carmen Police Station while awaiting formal charges. (FREEMAN)