Manila-based consultancy shut over Poland job scam

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged illegal recruiters were arrested in an entrapment operation after applicants were allegedly charged P300,000 each for supposed jobs as factory workers and welders in Poland, the Department of Migrant Workers said.

In a statement on Monday, June 30, the DMW identified the suspects as Jomalyn Baya Fisher and Glydel Suyon. The operation was conducted by the DMW with the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

The DMW said the operation also led to the issuance of Closure Order No. 24 against the Sta. Ana, Manila office of Venancia Consultancy PTY Ltd, and its affiliate, Venancia International Manpower Inc.

Tthe victims said they were charged P300,000 in processing fees in exchange for promised jobs in Poland, the department said.

No permit. Citing its investigation findings, the DMW alleged Fisher and Suyon were recruitment officers of a licensed recruitment agency, but not of Venancia Consultancy PTY Ltd./Venancia International Manpower Inc.

The suspects allegedly used their positions to mislead applicants seeking work abroad, the department said.

Investigators also found that Venancia had no approved job order for Poland and did not have the required DMW permit to conduct recruitment activities.

The agency reminded the public to transact only with licensed and authorized recruitment agencies with approved job orders.

It also urged applicants and their families to report suspicious recruitment activities to the DMW or proper authorities to prevent abuse and exploitation of Filipinos seeking work abroad.

The operation was led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, alongside Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara, Director Romelson Abbang, Director Eric Dollete and Regional Director Falconi Millar.

The DMW said the action was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to protect overseas Filipino workers from exploitation and illegal recruitment.