Filipino migrant worker arrested for 'illegal recruitment'
A Filipino migrant worker has been arrested by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation-Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO) for alleged illegal recruitment, estafa, and acts of lasciviousness.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 9, the NBI identified the alleged illegal recruiter as Noel P. Santos, also known as Mark Ivan Rosel.
The NBI said that Santos was arrested after it received several complaints against him.
It said that Santos received money for promising employment in Japan to work as masseurs without the necessary license or authorization from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
He was charged before the Cavite Provincial Prosecutor’s Office with violations of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8042, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 as amended by RA 10022; estafa under Article 315 paragraph 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); and Acts of Lasciviousness under Article 336 of the RPC.
The NBI statement, however, did not state how many persons were illegally recruited by Santos and why he was charged with acts of lasciviousness.
Santos is now detained at the NBI’s facility at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, the NBI said.
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said that Santos' arrest as an illegal recruiter is not just about punishing an individual but protecting vulnerable workers, promoting ethical recruitment, and ensuring justice for victims of exploitation.
Santiago reminded the public to be more discerning in verifying recruitment offers and encouraged them to report suspicious activities through the proper government channels.