9 arrested for large scale illegal recruitment

CEBU, Philippines — Nine people allegedly involved in an illegal recruitment scheme were arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI Central Visayas Office-NBI CEVRO) at a beach resort in Brgy. Pooc, Talisay City, Cebu, last May 12, 2024.

Large scale illegal recruitment and trafficking will be charged against the arrested led by the suspected “mastermind” Alice Dumdum Rondez from Brgy. Santa Cruz, Balamban, Cebu.

The others arrested are Cristina Arcilla, Glenard Musngi, Leon Alegado, Elisa Tonacao, Lemuel Ahito, Levert Fuentes, Librada Jumanguin and Jocelyn Resaba.

Rondez’ group has reportedly been operating in Cebu City for several years and has been known to conduct orientations for those who want to become farm workers in Australia.

Over 40 complainants have already come forward before the NBI-7 and director Renan Oliva urged other victims of the group to go to their office and file complaints.

Oliva said according to the complainants, the group has operated since 2017 and has collected money

from the victims to work in coconut and mango plantations in Australia, but no one has ever left.

The modus operandi include applicants paying for separate fees, entrance t-shirts, and other fees every week.

The applicants are also told to recruit more people.

Yesterday, some applicants showed law enforcement what they were also told to say in a video that was reportedly a requirement for them to submit.

The NBI operation was led by Agent Florante Gaoiran.

The suspects are currently detained at the NBI CEVRO custodial facility. — /ATO (FREEMAN)