RIZAL, Palawan — Four suspected illegal recruiters and human traffickers were arrested in a joint operation after allegedly luring victims with fake jobs as Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) and “spammers” in Southeast Asia.

The operation was carried out by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police–Maritime Group, Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), and the Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPPO).

The arrested suspects were identified as Palawan residents Rajib Ibrahim Dedik, Romard Amalya Francisco, Ramel Aligno Acojedo, and Feraida Rosario.

“Hindi kami titigil sa paglaban sa mga illegal recruiters at human trafficking syndicates na nanlilinlang sa ating mga kababayang nais lamang magtrabaho abroad para sa magandang kinabukasan ng kanilang pamilya,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, stressing the department’s continuing crackdown on illegal recruitment networks.

Investigations revealed that the suspects promised jobs in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand with salaries ranging from USD 800 to USD 1,000 per month. Authorities later found these offers were a front to deploy victims to cryptocurrency scam hubs.

A total of 13 victims were rescued during the operation.

The four suspects will face charges of syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment as well as promoting trafficking in persons. Authorities are pursuing further investigation to identify other individuals involved in the scheme.

The DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) urged other possible victims of the suspects to reach out via the bureau’s official Facebook page (https://web.facebook.com/dmwairtip) for free legal assistance.

The department also reminded the public, especially those seeking overseas employment, to apply only through licensed recruitment agencies and to be wary of “too good to be true” job offers. The list of accredited agencies is available at www.dmw.gov.ph.