GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite— The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two suspected illegal recruiters in an entrapment operation in Cavite, officials said.

NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago identified the suspects as Girish Fuego and Glenmore Banagan, who now face charges for violating Section 5 of Republic Act (RA) 8042, also known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended. They have also been charged with estafa under Article 315, paragraph 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

The suspects were apprehended on Feb. 27 during an operation conducted by the NBI Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO North) following complaints from seven individuals who claimed they were victimized by the pair, the agency said in a statement.

Alleged Scheme

According to the NBI, the victims had been staying at Fuego’s house in Nueva Estancia Subdivision, General Trias City, Cavite, while awaiting deployment for overseas jobs that never materialized. The complainants said Banagan had facilitated their supposed visa applications and issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs), which are required for Filipinos working abroad.

The victims also alleged that Fuego posed as a recruitment agent of CPL Masters Recruitment, Inc., while Banagan introduced himself as a representative of a foreign recruitment agency.

One complainant recounted receiving a call from Fuego, who claimed she was hiring skilled workers for deployment to Austria with a promised salary of P100,000 per month.

The complainant said he paid P166,600 for various processing fees, including medical expenses, a working visa, travel insurance, a placement fee, and airfare.

After more than a year without any progress, the victims sought help from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The agency later confirmed through official certifications that Fuego and Banagan were neither licensed nor authorized recruiters.

Furthermore, they had no records of employment with CPL Masters Recruitment, Inc. or Placewell International Services Corporation, the NBI added.

Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines

Under Republic Act 8042, as amended by Republic Act 10022, illegal recruitment is a serious offense in the Philippines.

Section 6 of the law defines illegal recruitment as any act of canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, or procuring workers for overseas employment without the proper license from the DMW.

Penalties for illegal recruitment vary depending on the scale of the crime. Those found guilty face imprisonment of 12 to 20 years and fines ranging from P1 million to P2 million.

If committed by a syndicate or on a large scale—meaning it involves three or more victims—the crime is considered economic sabotage, which carries life imprisonment and a fine of up to P5 million.

Ongoing Investigation

The NBI urged other potential victims to come forward, assuring them of legal assistance.

Authorities also reminded job seekers to verify recruitment agencies’ licenses through the DMW website to avoid falling prey to illegal recruiters.

Fuego and Banagan remain in NBI custody, pending further legal proceedings.