Wednesday, February 28, 2007 POEA issues warning against illegal recruiters
THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Western Visayas recently issued a stern warning against establishments and entities engaged in recruitment activities without the required government license for legitimate recruitment.
POEA Director Rhea Glynda Calantas said they have monitored that there are travel agencies, foundations and training centers in some areas of Panay Island that are engaged in illegal recruitment activities.
"These entities, like the training centers, are only limited to facilitate job trainings while travel agencies for ticketing and not to recruit job applicants who want to work abroad", said Calantas as she warned violators that the law on illegal recruitment imposes severe penalties.
Under the law, any person found guilty of illegal recruitment shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than six years and one day but not more than twelve years and a fine not less than two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) nor more than five hundred pesos (P500,000).
Calantas also cautioned applicants to be wary in accepting offers of jobs from individuals representing or working in such establishments.
'To avoid being victimized by these illegal recruiters, verify first, if the recruitment agency is duly registered and licensed by our office", advised Calantas.
This illegal activity, according to Calantas won't prosper if the public is vigilant and well informed about the modus operandi of these unscrupulous individuals.
This year, the POEA was tasked to spearhead the intensified effort of the government against illegal recruitment that will involve the local government units.
The President has promulgated Executive Order No. 548 - A that enables the POEA in coordination with the DOLE regional offices to ensure greater focus in fighting illegal recruiters down to the local level. (PIA)
