Probe POEA on illegal recruitment

24 February 2009
PRESS RELEASE:

Reference: Garry Martinez-Chairperson
Mobile #: 09217229740

MIGRANTE: Probe POEA on illegal recruitment charge

The largest alliance of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) groups worldwide has asked both houses of congress to investigate the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) allegations that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is engaging in large scale illegal recruitment and human trafficking victimizing at least 10,000 OFWs monthly.

"What we have been saying right from the outset was confirmed by no less than the Immigration Bureau; that the Philippine government through the POEA is the biggest illegal recruitment syndicate in the country," stated Gary Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

"We demand a full blown Congressional probe on the matter and to swiftly punish the heartless officials involved in this heinous crime."

BI too should be investigated

Martinez, however, stressed that the investigation should not only be limited to the syndicate inside the POEA, saying that the BI should also be probed for their possible collusion.

"The BI chief's whistle-blowing does not absolve his agency from any wrongdoing. This is why the BI should also be included in the investigation being sought. Illegal recruiters inside the POEA would never get away with their duping activities without the backing of likeminded criminals in the Immigration Bureau," he said. ###