Two individuals were arrested in Pasig City for allegedly running an illegal recruitment scheme that targeted Filipinos seeking restaurant jobs in Armenia, the Philippine National Police said.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Andeng” and “Angel,” were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Transnational Crime Unit on June 24 inside a fast-food establishment in Barangay San Joaquin.
Police said the suspects allegedly recruited applicants as early as April 2026 and offered them restaurant jobs in Armenia with a daily salary of 14 euros and a monthly food allowance of 200 euros.
Investigators said the suspects promised deployment within two months despite having no license or authority from the Department of Migrant Workers to recruit or deploy overseas workers.
The complainants had already paid a total of ₱183,930 for supposed airfare and processing expenses before the suspects allegedly demanded another ₱31,740 each for immediate processing of their deployment.
The complainants later sought help from the CIDG after sensing irregularities, prompting authorities to conduct an entrapment operation.
Verification with the DMW confirmed that the suspects were not authorized to conduct overseas recruitment, police said. Initial investigation also showed that the plane tickets issued to the complainants were allegedly not genuine.
The suspects are facing charges for alleged violations of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended, and estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. urged the public to verify overseas job offers before paying fees or submitting documents.
“Hindi natin hahayaang samantalahin ang pangarap ng ating mga kababayan na makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa,” Nartatez said.
“Bago magbayad o magsumite ng dokumento, tiyakin munang lisensyado at awtorisado ang inyong kausap,” he added.
Nartatez said the PNP will continue coordinating with the DMW and other agencies to identify and hold accountable those involved in illegal recruitment schemes.
Police also reminded the public to verify overseas employment offers through official DMW channels and report suspicious recruitment activities to authorities.