8 rescued from illegal recruiters in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - Eight people, including minors, were rescued when police raided an illegal recruitment agency in Caloocan City on Sunday.

Members of the Caloocan police community precinct 1, led by Chief Inspector Avelino Protacio II, swooped down on the Albert Job Placement Services reportedly managed by Alberto Salamanis at the corner of EDSA and Boni Serrano street at 9:30 a.m.

Police conducted the raid after a 16-year-old girl called the Philippine National Police (PNP) Hotline 117 for help.

The victim claimed she was raped by one of the employees of the recruitment firm.

Aside from the victim, seven more people were held in the recruitment agency, Protacio said.

Four employees of the firm identified as Jocelyn Gonzales, 45; Gerry Vasquez, 43; John Michael Vasquez, and Leonito Osorio were arrested in the operation.

The complainant pointed to John Michael as the one who allegedly raped her.

Superintendent Ferdinand del Rosario, assistant city police chief, said three of the victims were survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

“They were recruited to work in Manila as factory workers but were not paid for two months,” Del Rosario told The STAR.

The suspects are being held at the Caloocan police jail pending the filing of charges against them.