Couple nabbed for ‘illegal recruitment’

CEBU, Philippines - A couple was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 at the airport for alleged illegal recruitment.

Heddah Largo of the Cebu Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) said they asked for NBI’s help after four women went to their office to report the illegal recruitment.

When verified with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), it was learned that the couple does not have a license to recruit.

During yesterday’s operation, seven women were rescued.  They were about to board a plane.

Largo did not give further details but said they will be filing a complaint of illegal recruitment in large scale and human trafficking against the couple.

The FREEMAN did not identify the names of the couple and the victims as the case involves human trafficking.

 The victims were reportedly from Danao City and Liloan.

 In an interview, the husband denied the accusation that they recruited the victims.

He said they only accompanied their cousin who will be working abroad.

 The wife said she only processed their papers and passports.  An agency in Manila will facilitate their flight to Lebanon where jobs are  waiting for them.

She alleged that one of the women who reported to the PWC is harboring a grudge against her because of money matters.

 “Diba ang mang-recruit man ang muadto sa balay? Sila maoy niadto sa amo, nagpatabang human sila nakahibaw nga ang akong anak tua sa Lebanon nagtrabaho.  Wala mi nag-recruit. Wala mi nangayo og kwarta nila. Kami pa gani ang nigasto nila para tabang,” she said.

— (FREEMAN)