BAGUIO CITY — Authorities have arrested an alleged swindler and illegal recruiter who was wanted under eight arrest warrants during a manhunt operation in Kalinga province.

Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Apayao Provincial Field Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 14, and local police arrested the suspect, identified only by the alias “Kara,” in Barangay Junction, Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

”Kara,” a resident of Barangay Junction, is listed as the fifth most wanted person in Kalinga province.

Authorities said the suspect is facing eight arrest warrants issued by various courts between 2023 and 2026. These include four warrants covering 26 counts of violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 22, as well as separate warrants for illegal recruitment, estafa, violation of the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, and falsification of public documents. The warrants were issued by courts in Quezon City, La Trinidad, Pasig City, Pampanga and Batangas.

The illegal recruitment case stemmed from an incident between April and May 2023, when the suspect allegedly promised a victim employment as an equipment operator in Malaysia. Authorities said she collected P40,000 for processing fees, a visa application, and airfare but allegedly cut off all communication after receiving the money and failed to deploy the victim.

Following the victim’s complaint, the CIDG Benguet Provincial Field Unit coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers, which confirmed that the suspect was not licensed or authorized to recruit workers for overseas employment. The finding led to the filing of criminal complaints and the subsequent issuance of an arrest warrant.

The CIDG said the arrest forms part of its continuing nationwide campaign against wanted persons and fugitives.