From Zambo Norte 24 studes duped for internship

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty-four students from a school in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte sought the assistance of Acting Governor Agnes Magpale yesterday after they were allegedly duped by a person who was supposed to process their internship in Cebu.

Information Technology students from St. Joseph College of Sindangan went to the office of Magpale with their adviser to seek help from the provincial government.

According to Magpale, based on the information from the students and their teacher, a recruiter promised the students internship opportunities in companies in Cebu in exchange for P6,000 each.

But upon arriving in Cebu, the recruiter could no longer be found. The group decided to seek the help of Capitol.

Although the students were not promised paid jobs, Magpale said that the concern was very disturbing since the students may be possible targets of human trafficking.

“Wala man sweldo ana but that can be trafficking,” she said.

Magpale offered to have the concern of the group forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

But the group’s adviser and the students declined. They also refused to be interviewed further by the media for fear of their safety. They also refused to answer if payment for the processing of their internship was indeed made.

Magpale decided to take in the students and have them serve their internship at the Provincial Capitol instead.

The acting governor has asked Provincial Administrator Eduardo Jabin to assign the students to the Capitol’s different departments. Their practicum course requires the students to complete 480 hours.

As of press time, the students were in the IT department waiting for instructions.

The FREEMAN tried calling St. Joseph College but calls were not answered.

Magpale said that she will be following up with the students to further investigate their concern. — /JPM (FREEMAN)