POEA shuts down 2 placement agencies

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recently shut down two placement agencies that have been illegally deploying Filipino workers abroad.

POEA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac identified the recruitment firms as Firststep Consultancy and Career Development in Quezon City and LJP Travel Assistance Agency in Sta. Ana, Manila.

“Our Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch put the two companies under surveillance and investigation after some of their victims reported to POEA their alleged recruitment activities,” he said in a statement.

Cacdac noted that POEA operatives, disguised as job applicants, confirmed that Firststep Consultancy was recruiting chefs and cooks for New Zealand and Australia; electricians for Canada; and landscapers for the United States of America.

The operatives found out, on the other hand, that LJP Travel Assistance Agency has “job openings” for farm workers in Palau.

Cacdac added the two agencies were not authorized to do so.

He said all officers of Firststep Consultancy and LJP Travel Assistance Agency were included in the POEA’s list of persons and establishments with a derogatory record, effectively disqualifying them from participating in the government’s overseas recruitment program.

He added that POEA is preparing to file illegal recruitment charges against the owners and employees of the two companies.