NBI nabs ‘illegal recruiter’

AGENTS of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) arrested on Tuesday an alleged illegal recruiter accused of duping at least four persons who wanted to work abroad.

Kirby Gonzales Racaza-Silva and her 15 staff members were arrested in an entrapment operation in an arcade in Minglanilla town, southern Cebu.

Silva was identified as the operator of Intertech 888, a company which claims to be a call center but actually scouts for company in Australia who are in need of Filipino workers, the NBI-7 said.

Four applicants—Jennifer Brioso, Michelle Enguio, Ciriaco Asumbrado Jr., and Gerald Ian Alcover—sought the assistance of the NBI-7 after they were allegedly deceived by Silva into paying P20,000 each in exchange for a job abroad.

The applicants alleged that Silva recruited them for employment abroad particularly as production workers in Australia with a salary range of Aus$5,000 to Aus$6,000 per month.

Also, Silva allegedly vowed to provide them with free lodging for their first year of work abroad.

Upon downpayment of P10,000, applicants were allegedly guaranteed of a job in Australia.

The NBI-7 said Silva is not authorized to recruit, refer or deploy personnel abroad as stated in a report by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

During the entrapment operation, NBI agents brought with them the applicants who still have some balance left for their respective assessment fees. Upon payment, the agents arrived and effected the arrest.

Aside from Silva, also arrested were Ciprian Duno, Marnel Dunio, Christian Sameon, Mark Anthony Nadela, Elmar Echavez, Alexander Toong, Aris Beniga, Francesca Damolo, Kate Lastimado, Rem Cabreras, and Dustin Fuentes, Jennlyn Paz, Robelyn Abellaneda, Razel Hilacan, and Belladona Librea. /REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL