PNP orders tighter watch on recruiters targeting Filipinos for military work
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered tighter monitoring of suspected illegal recruitment schemes targeting Filipinos seeking employment abroad, particularly military-related jobs in Eastern Euroipe.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 27, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed concerned police units to coordinate closely with relevant government agencies to come up with measures to protect Filipinos from dangerous overseas job offers.
"We will not allow unscrupulous individuals or syndicates to exploit the aspirations of any of our kababayan for overseas employment. No promise of a high-paying job should come at the expense of a Filipino's safety, dignity, or future," Nartatez said.
Nartatez also called for intensified surveillance and intelligence operations against deceptive recruitment networks.
The warning came amid reports that at least three Filipinos have died in the ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
"Illegal recruiters prey on the hopes of our kababayans by disguising dangerous schemes as opportunities for a better future. We will strengthen our intelligence operations and coordination with partner agencies to expose these schemes and hold those responsible accountable," Nartatez said.
Intercepted in Davao. The PNP's heightened vigilance follows the Bureau of Immigration's recent interception of three Filipinos at Davao International Airport before their scheduled departure on October 17.
The men were suspected of being recruited for military and border guard positions in Eastern Europe.
During initial questioning, the travelers claimed they were heading to Thailand to participate in or coach a Muay Thai tournament.
However, they later disclosed that they intended to proceed to Eastern Europe for work and had allegedly been promised monthly salaries of P200,000.
According to the men, two foreign recruiters offered to shoulder their travel expenses and arrange their European electronic visas while they were in Thailand.
The group was initially instructed on October 13 to take a supposed "backdoor" route through Zamboanga before the recruiters changed the plan to air travel through Davao.
Following their interception, the three were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation and assistance.
abtestabtest Marcos: Don’t panic over weakening peso By Alexis Romero | 15 hours ago There is no need to panic over the weakening of the Philippine peso as efforts are underway to defend the local currency “as... Headlines Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial By Delon Porcalla | 15 hours ago Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment... Headlines Bernardo: Jinggoy got P573 million in kickbacks in 4 tranches By Daphne Galvez | 15 hours ago Former public works undersecretary and state witness Roberto Bernardo testified yesterday before the Sandiganbayan that detained... Headlines AMLC tapped in P3.5 billion Laos drug haul probe By Emmanuel Tupas | 15 hours ago The Philippine National Police has tapped the Anti-Money Laundering Council to join the investigation into the aborted... Headlines Gibo calls for stronger unity among Asean members By Michael Punongbayan | 15 hours ago At a gathering of his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has... Headlines Latest More in Headlines WATCH: Hegseth calls for ‘Peace Through Strength’ in the Pacific New NLEX C5 Northlink section toll-free until year-end Palace urges Congress not to cut Marcos projects in 2027 budget Bato says P50-million bounty puts life at risk, asks Supreme Court to block arrest abtest Hegseth pushes US-ASEAN defense framework as China scales back at talks By Cristina Chi | 5 hours ago As China scales back is presence at talks, Pentagon chief Hegseth lays out a defense pitch . Headlines Schools told: Use operating funds to buy electric fans By Bella Cariaso | 15 hours ago Schools can use their maintenance funds to purchase electric fans and mitigate the impact of the super El Niño during... Headlines PNP launches hotlines for tipsters on Bato By Emmanuel Tupas | 15 hours ago The Philippine National Police has opened five 24/7 hotlines and guaranteed confidentiality for tipsters who can provide... Headlines DBM: NCA utilization rate at 96.6% By Aubrey Rose Inosante | 15 hours ago Government agencies utilized 96.6 percent of their notices of cash allocation (NCA) as of end-September, while the Department... Headlines Digital apps with violent history must prove safety – Angara By Bella Cariaso | 15 hours ago Applications with a history of being used for violence should prove their social media platforms are safe for children, Education... Headlines Recommended Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial 15 hours ago Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment... HeadlinesSARASARA DUTERTE Aplasca files reply to direct assault rap 15 hours ago Former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca has filed his counter-affidavit on the direct assault complaint filed against him... HeadlinesAPLASCAMAO Marcos: Don't panic over peso fall to P64 per dollar 23 hours ago President Marcos Jr. says rising oil prices are weighing on the currency and economy. HeadlinesBONGBONG MARCOSCURRENCYFOREX Premature to talk about VP replacement – Palace 1 day ago It’s premature to talk about a possible replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte while her impeachment trial is ongoing,... HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE JV open to inviting budget watchdogs to bicam hearings 1 day ago Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito is open to inviting civil society organizations to the bicameral conference... HeadlinesLACSONSENATE next Recommended Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment court, nor should they employ any filibuster methods to drag the case even further. 15 hours ago SARA SARA DUTERTE Aplasca files reply to direct assault rap Former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca has filed his counter-affidavit on the direct assault complaint filed against him over the May 13 Senate shooting. 15 hours ago APLASCA MAO Marcos: Don't panic over peso fall to P64 per dollar President Marcos Jr. says rising oil prices are weighing on the currency and economy. 23 hours ago BONGBONG MARCOS CURRENCY FOREX Premature to talk about VP replacement – Palace It’s premature to talk about a possible replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte while her impeachment trial is ongoing, Malacañang said yesterday. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE JV open to inviting budget watchdogs to bicam hearings Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito is open to inviting civil society organizations to the bicameral conference committee hearings on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, after the groups flagged up to P1 trillion in potential pork barrel funds in the House of Representatives’ version of the spending bill. 1 day ago LACSON SENATE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
