LGU help sought in fight vs illegal recruitment

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The national government has enlisted the support of local governments to intensify its campaign against illegal recruitment of workers for nonexistent overseas jobs.

Amuerfina Reyes, deputy administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), said the fight against illegal recruitment could be more effective with the help of local officials.

“This is a reality on the part of the national government. If you want a more effective campaign, ask for the help of local governments,” said Reyes.

For one, Reyes said, local officials know their constituents and they are familiar with their communities.

“When somebody comes out as an illegal recruitment victim, they are the first persons who can be approached for assistance,” she said.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Reyes said the provincial government had agreed to help in the information campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

“This a very important role of the local government. People should know how they can avoid illegal recruiters,” Reyes said.

The MOU also required the provincial government to set up an overseas Filipino workers’ help desk, where OFWs or prospective overseas workers can go to for any concern.

Reyes said a provision of the MOU also sought the help of local governments in legal actions and law enforcement against illegal recruiters.

This is important, she said, because victims sometimes do not get any help in filing complaints against illegal recruiters.

Reyes said this year, the POEA had padlocked six agencies for recruiting workers without seeking licenses from the POEA.

“Last year, we closed eight agencies. We have also assisted more than 200 illegal recruitment victims by giving them free legal assistance,” Reyes said.

“While we allow the deployment of our OFWs, the primary consideration is still their protection,” she said. Gabriel Cardinoza, Inquirer Northern Luzon