34 women rescued from illegal recruiter in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 34 women who were recruited for non-existent jobs abroad were rescued during a raid on a house in Paco, Manila on Friday night.

Senior Inspector Jake Arcilla, head of the Manila Police District general assignment and investigation section, said four women went to his office and complained that they were being held at a house along 4th street and were prevented from leaving unless they were accompanied by the caretaker.

Arcilla said the alleged caretaker, Nina Dumanon, was arrested during the raid.

The complainants said they were recruited to work in Saudi Arabia by Edlyn Abiera and taken to the I-Employ Manpower Agency along Padre Faura street in Ermita.

The victims said Abiera promised them a monthly salary of $400.

According to them, the recruitment agency was being operated by a Saudi woman they know only by the name “Madam Eva.”

The victims were turned over to the local social welfare department.

Police said charges of illegal recruitment and serious illegal detention were filed against Dumanon before the Manila prosecutor’s office.