A 28-year-old airport employee was arrested at Clark International Airport for alleged involvement in an illegal recruitment scheme tied to offshore gaming operations (POGO) in Cambodia, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.
The arrest was made on the afternoon of August 19 during a joint operation by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP).
Ricafort cites that, according to the initial investigation, the victim had applied online for a Customer Service Representative position through a POGO community page.
The victim was allegedly provided with travel documents by a supposed agency and was instructed to coordinate with the suspect, who was assigned to facilitate his departure from the Philippines.
However, the victim later discovered that the recruitment offer was fraudulent. This prompted authorities to take immediate action, leading to the suspect’s arrest for violating Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
The suspect has since been referred to the Department of Justice’s Office of the Prosecutor for inquest proceedings. He is currently detained at the CIAPS AVSEU 3 Custodial Facility while awaiting the issuance of the inquest resolution.
PBGen. Jay Cumigad, Director of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), emphasized their impartial pursuit of justice and their full support in the fight against human trafficking.
"We are all-in for the fight against human trafficking. We recognize no face when it comes to serving justice,” the AVSEG Director said.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when applying for jobs abroad and to ensure that recruitment agencies are duly licensed and verified by the government.
