The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced Sunday the arrest of a lady pastor in Baras, Rizal for her alleged involvement in large-scale illegal recruitment.

In a statement, the NBI identified the suspect as affiliated with the Faithful Promise Foundation Phils. Inc. However, the agency did not disclose the suspect’s name.

Reports said that the arrest occurred during an entrapment operation conducted by the NBI-Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO North). The NBI said a follow-up operation is planned to apprehend the pastor’s accomplices.

Following her arrest, the suspect was charged with large-scale illegal recruitment in violation of Republic Act 8042, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 as amended, and with estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.

The NBI said that the operation stemmed from a request letter sent by the Department of Migrant Workers, which sought investigative assistance regarding a complaint filed by at least four victims of illegal recruitment against the suspect.

“In response, agents from the NBI-CAVIDO North conducted an investigation,” the bureau added.

In their sworn statements, the complainants alleged that they were misled into believing that the suspect, along with her husband and niece, had the necessary authority to deploy workers for overseas employment.

The NBI investigation revealed that the suspect and her associates allegedly enticed prospective applicants to become missionary workers for the church by promising them high-paying job opportunities in Korea, Japan and Australia.

The applicants were reportedly required to pay a processing fee of P50,000 in exchange for the overseas employment.