THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bacolod tagged Negros Occidental as a hot spot for domestic and overseas contract workers illegal recruitment and other activities.
Bureau Chief Mamerto Cortez said involved cases were mostly large scale.
Also, the Philippine Overseas and Employment Agency (POEA) declared that the said illegal activities by the various recruitment agencies have remained prevalent in the province.
A POEA data showed that some 50 persons in Southern Negros Occidental were illegally recruited for Canada who paid for a placement fee to a fake agency representative.
POEA investigation revealed that a group of illegal recruiters had been misrepresenting an agency, which in turn is likewise denied by the latter.
Cases have been filed at the POEA while some victims have sought intervention of the NBI.
Last year, a group of clinical instructors in a university in Bacolod City said to have sought an NBI intervention saying they were victimized of a Manila-based agency, which offered them teaching jobs for Libya. The agency would require them, on a staggered basis, placement fees ranging from P150,000 to P250,000 for a nine months contract work.
Cortez told Sun.Star that they have filed cases in the past in court “which are being subject for court trial while some have been filed.”
Cortez advised job seekers to always check as to the legality of an agency or of a recruiter to ensure security.
Likewise he assured the victims that as soon as they seek intervention of the NBI, Cortez vowed speedy action on their plight.
Also, the POEA assured victims duped by these poseurs to always provide assistance by providing sufficient information.
Before an applicant pays an amount to any recruiter, they should consult the POEA first or check the office’ website to verify the legality of persons and agencies at www.poea.gov.ph, the POEA said.
The POEA projected that more Negrenses may opt to work abroad this year as the office’ has noted a steady upward trend these past few years.
To report illegal recruiters and to inquire on their services, POEA office can be reached at Tel. No. 434-73-91. (With PIA)