Jobseekers warned anew vs illegal recruiters

DAVAO CITY—The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Southern Mindanao warned jobseekers anew about the proliferation of illegal recruiters.

Carolina Agdamag, POEA regional director, said at least 60 suspected illegal recruiters operate in the three Davao provinces and Compostela Valley.

But Agdamag declined to name any of the suspected illegal recruiters.

She said, though, that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has put some of the suspects under surveillance while others have been arrested.

Agdamag said the DOJ is among the government agencies working with the POEA to put a stop to illegal recruitment.

Agdamag said suspected illegal recruiters would regularly request for certifications from the POEA.

The frequency of requests and queries at the POEA is indication of illegal recruitment plans, Agdamag said.

She, however, admitted that despite massive illegal recruitment, only a few victims would care to consult the POEA.

Agdamag said judging by the volume of complaints received by the DOJ, however, many victims are determined to pursue charges against illegal recruiters.

She said if jobseekers have doubts about the legitimacy of a recruiter or recruitment agency, all they have to do is go to the POEA office and verify the recruiters’ licenses.

The POEA regional office, Agdamag said, also continues to help jobseekers by matching them with job offers abroad. Judy Quiros, Inquirer Mindanao