AUTHORITIES successfully intercepted an illegal recruitment operation in Isabela, preventing several aspiring overseas Filipino workers from falling victim to fraudulent employment schemes.
The operation was a joint effort by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Isabela Provincial Field Unit and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region 2.
The raid took place in Barangay Rizal, Santiago City, where police apprehended two local suspects—a man known by the alias “Mark” and a woman known as “Ana,” both in their mid-30s and Filipino citizens.
The duo was caught collecting documents and processing fees from job seekers, promising high-paying jobs in Ireland and the Netherlands as caregivers, agricultural workers, and health professionals.
However, they lacked the necessary government authorization or license to conduct recruitment activities.
The operation aligns with the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), a key component of the PNP Focused Agenda, which aims to proactively dismantle illegal activities that exploit vulnerable citizens.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. highlighted the police force’s dedication to protecting hardworking Filipinos striving to improve their families’ lives.
“It is disheartening that some still take advantage of our fellow Filipinos’ efforts to support their families. We will not allow their hard-earned money to be stolen through false promises. We are working closely with the DMW and other partner agencies to stop these fraudulent schemes, whether they operate on the ground or online,” General Nartatez said.
The PNP urges all job seekers to exercise caution and verify recruitment offers through official government channels before parting with any money.
