The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) cautions domestic worker returnees against an illegal recruitment scheme that offers quick transfer to new employers using a previous Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and fake documents.

This scheme targets the reach of OFWs with an old OEC. They will be offered a chance to work abroad using that certificate.

DMW Licensing and Adjudication Services Undersecretary Bernard Olalia warns them not to leave the Philippines and work abroad using the previous OECs and forged documents. He also urged them to follow legal procedures to ensure their safety. The DMW is also willing to give necessary support for those who wish to return to overseas employment.

“Dumaan po tayo sa proseso at tutulong po kami. Hahanap po kami ng employer kung kayo man ay nahihirapan humanap ng employer,” he said

[“Please go through the process and we will help. We will find an employer if you are struggling to look for an employer.”]

Usec. Olalia also reported that four victims were offered a chance to return to work overseas, promising a monthly salary ranging from $400 to $450.

“Nagpunta po ‘yung hindi bababa sa apat, 4 na nabiktima ng sindikato na ito at dahil po tayo ay may ugnayan sa NBI, nakipag-organisa po tayo ng isang entrapment. Nahuli po natin ito at kinasuhan po natin ng large-scale illegal recruitment. Ang ibig pong sabihin niyan, no bail,” he said

[At least 4 victims came. Four victims of the syndicate, and since we have a connection with the NBI, we organized an entrapment. We apprehended this and filed a case of large-scale recruitment. Meaning, no bail.”]

The alleged illegal recruiter, identified as Gie Celleros Viterbo, was caught in an entrapment operation conducted by the NBI-Human Trafficking Division and DMW Protection Bureau.

“Pa-deport sana siya sa Pilipinas pero tumalon at some point in a connection flight so nakatakas sa law enforcement pero nagbalik at ito na nga, nagsagawa ng pagkakaroon ng panibago na namang katiwalian kaya’t hindi na ito makakawala sa law enforcement, sa batas. Merong pre-trial na isasagawa sa Feb 26,” according to DMW Sec. Cacdac.

[She was supposed to be deported but jumped at some point in a connecting flight, so she escaped from law enforcement, but she returned, and here, she committed a new illegal act, and now there will be no space for her to escape law enforcement, from the law. There would be a pre-trial set on February 26.”]

RELATED VIDEO: