COTABATO CITY — A man and a woman, reportedly a couple, were arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after allegedly collecting a ₱10,000 processing fee from an individual seeking overseas employment through an unauthorized recruitment scheme.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Bai” and “Asir,” were apprehended at around 2:05 p.m. on November 4, 2026, in front of KCC Mall in Cotabato City during a law enforcement operation targeting violations of Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022.
The operation was jointly conducted by the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, and Cotabato City Police Station 1.
According to the report submitted to CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of receiving ₱10,000 from the complainant as a processing fee for a promised overseas employment opportunity.
Initial investigation indicated that the two were operating without the necessary license or authority from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), making their alleged recruitment activities illegal.
Authorities also reported that the suspects allegedly presented themselves as legitimate recruitment agents and solicited prospective applicants through personal transactions and online platforms. Their recruitment activities reportedly extended beyond Cotabato City, reaching various areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and neighboring regions.
The case highlights the continuing threat posed by unauthorized recruiters who exploit the aspirations of Filipinos seeking better employment opportunities abroad. Illegal recruitment schemes can expose prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to financial losses, fraudulent employment arrangements, and other forms of exploitation.
Under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, acts such as canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, hiring, or procuring workers for overseas employment without the required license or authority constitute illegal recruitment.
CIDG Director Morico underscored the government’s responsibility to protect Filipino workers, whether employed locally or overseas, and to uphold their rights, dignity, and access to equal employment opportunities.
The CIDG leadership also recognized the personnel involved in the operation, particularly PLTCOL Eugene A. Balugo, Officer-in-Charge of CIDG Regional Field Unit 15; the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit under PCPT Earl F. Baranda; and the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit led by PCPT Lyndon G. Mondragon.
The agency said the successful operation demonstrates its continuing efforts to enforce laws against illegal recruitment and protect Filipinos from fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
The CIDG reaffirmed its commitment to work with the DMW and other concerned government agencies to identify and dismantle unauthorized recruitment networks.
Authorities also reminded aspiring OFWs to exercise caution when dealing with individuals offering overseas jobs, particularly those who demand processing fees without verifiable recruitment credentials. Applicants are urged to check directly with the DMW whether a recruitment agency or job offer is legitimate before submitting personal documents or making any payment.
The arrest serves as another reminder that promises of overseas employment should always be verified through official government channels to prevent unsuspecting jobseekers from falling victim to illegal recruitment.