Ex-OFW arrested for illegal recruitment

MANILA, Philippines — A former overseas Filipino worker was arrested in a sting in Sta. Mesa, Manila Wednesday night for allegedly duping three jobseekers of P95,000.

Barangay 631, Zone 64 Councilor Maritess Sumalinog apprehended Ofelia Tejada Ujano, 58, at a fastfood restaurant along Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard.

Ujano faces charges of large-scale estafa based on the complaints filed by Elvira Alfeche Canonico, 56; Ralhf Brail Alfeche Mondejar, 29, and Suzette Racaza Lazada.

She reportedly promised the complainants she would work on processing their documents so they could get a job abroad.

Authorities found Ujano is neither authorized to recruit for overseas employment nor did she work on the complainants’ papers despite receiving P95,000 from them between January and May this year.