Senior citizen 'illegal recruiter' nabbed via citizens' arrest

MANILA, Philippines — A 63-year-old suspected illegal recruiter was nabbed after his victims retaliated and cornered him in a fast food restaurant in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday.

Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU) of the Crime Investigation and Detention Group of the Philippine National Police helped the victims of Osmando Nivero Habilag who was caught around 7 p.m. last night in front of McDonald’s branch in Carriedo, Quiapo.

Habilas, according to the report, has victimized more than 200 individuals by illegally recruiting and offering work as butchers and English teachers in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The suspect was allegedly asking the applicants P40,000 up to P250,000 in processing fee, but none have successfully secured a job overseas.

Habilas is reportedly working with his partner Alejandro  Navarro Jr. in their bogus company Bantayog Travel and Tours operating in Tanza, Cavite.

ATCU chief Police Superintendent Romeo Merdegia Jr. said upon verification from Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Bantayog Travel and Tours is not authorized to recruit for work abroad.

They also found out that Navarro has a standing arrest warrant for estafa.

The operation yesterday led to the arrest of Habilas, while Navarro still remains at large.

Habilas is facing violations of RA 8042 or the Migrant Workers and  Overseas Filipinos Act, and the Revised Penal Code Art. 315 on estafa.