Police arrested a female fugitive wanted for illegal recruitment, estafa, bouncing checks, carnapping, and falsification of public documents during a manhunt operation in Pinukpuk, Kalinga.
The Philippine National Police said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Kara,” was arrested on June 25 in Barangay Junction by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Apayao Provincial Field Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 14, and territorial police units.
The suspect was listed as the No. 5 provincial most wanted person in Kalinga.
According to the PNP, she was arrested by virtue of eight warrants of arrest issued by courts in Quezon City, La Trinidad in Benguet, Pasig City, Pampanga, and Batangas between 2023 and 2026.
Police said the suspect is facing 26 counts of violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22, or the Bouncing Checks Law, under four separate warrants.
She also faces charges for illegal recruitment, estafa, violation of Republic Act No. 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act, and falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
One of the warrants stemmed from an illegal recruitment case in which the suspect allegedly misrepresented herself as capable of facilitating overseas employment for a victim from La Trinidad, Benguet between April and May 2023.
The PNP said the suspect allegedly accepted payment for processing, visa application, and travel requirements but failed to provide the promised employment and later became unreachable.
Acting on the complaint, the CIDG Benguet Provincial Field Unit coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers, which confirmed that the suspect had no license or authority to recruit workers for overseas employment.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest sends a warning to people who exploit aspiring overseas workers.
“This arrest sends a clear message that the law will catch up with those who exploit aspiring overseas workers and use deceit for personal gain. We remain relentless in tracking down fugitives and ensuring they are held accountable before our courts,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi makatatakas sa batas ang mga taong nananamantala sa pangarap ng ating mga kababayan. Patuloy nating hahanapin at pananagutin ang bawat taong gumagamit ng panlilinlang upang kumita sa kapwa,” he added.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its intensified campaign against wanted persons and individuals involved in fraud, illegal recruitment, and other criminal activities.