THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), arrested two individuals allegedly involved in illegal recruitment targeting aspiring overseas Filipino workers in Isabela province.
The operation was conducted by the CIDG Isabela Provincial Field Unit and DMW Region 2 at around 10 a.m. on August 28, 2026, in Barangay Rizal, Santiago City.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen Robert AA Morico II, the male and female suspects, both of legal age, were allegedly caught accepting applicants’ documents and collecting processing fees for supposed employment opportunities in Ireland and the Netherlands.
Authorities said the suspects had no license or authority from the DMW to recruit or deploy Filipino workers overseas.
The alleged recruiters reportedly offered jobs as caregivers, nurses and other healthcare workers, as well as dairy farmers and apple pickers. They allegedly promised salaries of up to €3,200, or more than ₱200,000, per month, depending on the position.
Applicants were reportedly required to pay ₱75,000 in processing fees.
The CIDG said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to protect Filipinos from illegal recruitment schemes that prey on individuals seeking employment abroad and risk losing their hard-earned money.
Morico emphasized that the government is committed to protecting the dignity and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, both before their deployment and while working overseas.
Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, provides measures aimed at strengthening protection for migrant workers, their families, and overseas Filipinos in distress.
The CIDG commended PCOL Rodrigo B. Soriano, regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 2, and the CIDG Isabela Provincial Field Unit under PLTCol Rex G. Pascua for the operation and arrests.
The agency said it will continue working with the DMW to dismantle illegal recruitment and fraudulent employment schemes, including those conducted online.
The CIDG and DMW urged aspiring overseas Filipino workers to verify job offers and check the legitimacy of recruitment agencies directly through the DMW’s official website before submitting documents or paying any fees.
