04/02/2026
PNP CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: 4 ARRESTED, 2 AGENCIES SHUT DOWN
In a strong stand against exploitation and fraudulent overseas job schemes, the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), struck hard at illegal recruitment operations, arresting four suspects and shutting down two unlicensed agencies in Tanza, Cavite and Cubao, Quezon City. The move underscores the PNP’s commitment to protecting Filipinos from unscrupulous recruiters preying on their hopes for a better life abroad.
This operation, conducted on January 26 and 30, 2026, forms part of the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) under the PNP Focused Agenda, which prioritizes safeguarding Filipinos from all forms of criminality, including online scams and human trafficking.
According to reports, the first operation in Tanza, Cavite led to the arrest of “Mario,” 43, owner of a travel agency allegedly recruiting migrant workers for South Korea without DMW approval. Applicants were promised jobs as hotel cleaners and laundry staff with salaries of 2,200,000 Korean Won (around ₱92,000.00) in exchange for an ₱80,000.00 processing fee. Mario was caught while collecting payment from an applicant, and his agency was immediately closed.
In a follow-up operation in Cubao, Quezon City, CIDG and DMW apprehended three female employees—“Ann,” “Kris,” and “Tina”—of a manpower agency. The suspects were offering jobs in Hong Kong, Qatar, and Greece for a processing fee of ₱35,000.00, despite lacking the necessary registration with DMW. The agency was likewise shut down.
“These arrests and closures send a strong message: the PNP will not tolerate any illegal recruitment that exploits our kababayan, especially our overseas Filipino workers,” said PNP Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. “Ang ating layunin ay protektahan ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pandaraya at pang-aabuso. Hindi kami titigil sa ating laban sa ilegal na gawain, maging sa online man o sa pisikal na operasyon.”
He added, “The PNP remains committed to working hand in hand with the Department of Migrant Workers to dismantle fraudulent recruitment operations nationwide. Through EMPO, we ensure that every operation is carefully planned, focused, and achieves real results for the protection of every Filipino.”
The successful operations highlight the PNP’s unwavering resolve to dismantle illegal recruitment networks, safeguard the rights of Filipino workers, and ensure that victims of fraudulent schemes receive justice. Through focused and relentless operations, the PNP is building a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas:Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)