Two alleged illegal recruiters were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on 30 June, leading to the closure of Venancia Consultancy PTY Ltd./Venancia International Manpower, Inc.

The suspects were identified as Jomalyn Baya Fisher and Glydel Suyon, who are facing illegal recruitment charges.

According to the victims, they were allegedly asked to pay more than P300,000 in processing fees in exchange for promised jobs in Poland as factory workers and welders.

The DMW said its verification showed that Fisher and Suyon were recruitment officers of a licensed agency but were not connected with Venancia Consultancy PTY Ltd./Venancia International Manpower, Inc. Authorities said the suspects allegedly used their positions to defraud applicants seeking overseas jobs.

The investigation also found that the agency had no approved job order for Poland and no permit from the DMW to conduct recruitment activities.

The DMW assured victims that those involved in the operation would be held accountable.

The agency also reminded the public to verify that recruitment agencies are licensed, authorized, and have approved job orders before applying for overseas jobs.

It urged applicants and their families to immediately report suspicious recruitment activities to the DMW or law enforcement authorities.