PNP activates task force vs illegal recruitment

FILE PHOTO: PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar on Friday announced that he signed a memorandum circular which effectively put into operation the PNP Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment (PNP-TFAIR) in order to step up the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

“On orders of our [Interior Secretary] Eduardo Año, I have signed a Memorandum Circular revitalizing the PNP Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment which directs the CIDG to conduct a crackdown against these unscrupulous persons taking advantage of our kababayan who aspire to work overseas as a means to escape poverty and sufficiently provide for their families,” Eleazar said in a statement.

PNP-TFAIR is mandated to conduct surveillance and entrapment operations on persons engaging in illegal recruitment activities like escort services at international airports and other ports of departure.

Eleazar said the task force is also expected to come up with a priority target list based on intelligence gathering.

The task force will be in coordination with other agencies, according to Eleazar.

“Part of this memorandum is working closely with other government agencies for the protection of our OFWs as our own little way of recognizing their big contribution to the economy over the years,” Eleazar said.

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