Call center operator indicted for illegal recruitment, estafa

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a call center operator for two counts of large scale illegal recruitment and 19 counts of estafa.

Kirby Silva, 43, resident of Barangay Vito, Minglanilla, was recommended to face trial in court after prosecutor Jerome Abarca found probable cause against her for illegally recruiting workers for deployment abroad. Silva operated Intertech 8888, a placement agency disguised as call center. 

“Since records show that respondent Kirby Silva is the sole proprietor of Intertech 8888, which company was engaged in illegal recruitment, then respondent Kirby Silva may be held liable for the illegal acts perpetrated by her company,” the resolution of the prosecutor’s office read.

The National Bureau of Investigation earlier filed the criminal complaints against Silva and her alleged coordinators; Evan Ortega, Thelma Beniga, Hazel Serudo, Robelyn Regodon-Abellaneda, and Ermecita Abelgas.

Several victims went to seek assistance from the NBI after they were allegedly duped by the suspects. The victims were promised jobs in Australia in exchange for sum of money allegedly representing as assessment and processing fees.

However, despite having paid what was required of them, the victims said the suspect failed to deploy them abroad. The victims later learned that the suspect was not authorized by POEA to recruit and deploy workers for overseas employment.

In her counter-affidavit, Silva denied running a placement agency. She said Intertech 8888 is a call center company. The other respondents were cleared after they were able to present evidence that they were also victims of Silva.

 “An employee of a company or corporation engaged in illegal recruitment may be held liable as principal, together with his employer, if it is shown that he actively and consciously participated in illegal recruitment. The culpability of the employee therefore hinges on his knowledge of the offense and his active participation in its commission,” the resolution stated.

According to the investigating prosecutor, the other respondents did not have personal knowledge that the company they were working with has no license or authority to recruit workers. — (FREEMAN)