08/05/2026
PNP, DMW NABS KOREAN IN ILLEGAL JOB SCAM CRACKDOWN
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., intensified its nationwide campaign against illegal recruitment and fraudulent overseas employment schemes following the arrest of a Korean national involved in an alleged illegal recruitment operation in Davao City.
On May 4, 2026, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao City Field Unit, in coordination with representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), conducted an entrapment operation along McArthur Highway, Davao City, which led to the arrest of alias “Hyun,” a 54-year-old Korean national, for alleged illegal recruitment activities targeting aspiring overseas workers.
Investigation disclosed that the suspect was engaged in recruiting Filipinos as factory workers in South Korea and was caught accepting a placement fee from a victim despite having no authority or license from the Department of Migrant Workers to recruit individuals for overseas employment. The suspect allegedly promised employment in Seoul, South Korea, with a monthly salary of KRW 2,200,000.00 or approximately PhP92,000.00, including free accommodation and meals, in exchange for a processing fee of PhP28,000.00.
Authorities further disclosed that at least 40 individuals were allegedly victimized by the scheme, including 19 residents from Davao City. The operation forms part of the government’s strengthened enforcement of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, which seeks to uphold the dignity and welfare of Filipino migrant workers and protect them from exploitation and illegal recruitment activities.
“This operation reflects our determination to protect Filipinos from individuals who take advantage of their desire to work abroad. Illegal recruitment destroys opportunities and places the safety and future of our people at risk,” said PGEN Nartatez.
“Hindi natin hahayaang malinlang at mapagsamantalahan ang ating mga kababayan na naghahanap lamang ng maayos na trabaho para sa kanilang pamilya. Patuloy nating hahabulin ang mga sangkot sa ganitong uri ng panlilinlang,” he added.
The successful joint operation highlights the continuing collaboration between the CIDG and the Department of Migrant Workers in dismantling illegal recruitment networks and preventing fraudulent overseas job schemes. It also reinforces the PNP Focused Agenda—an operational framework of transformation designed to make police service more responsive and dependable. Among its key priorities, Enhanced Managing Police Operations remains vital in strengthening law enforcement actions against illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and other forms of organized exploitation targeting Filipino workers.
PGEN Nartatez likewise emphasized that the arrest serves as a stern warning against individuals exploiting Filipino workers through deceptive recruitment activities.
“We will continue strengthening our enforcement efforts with partner agencies to ensure that those behind illegal recruitment schemes are held accountable under the law and that aspiring overseas workers are protected from abuse and deception,” said PGEN Nartatez.
“Mas paiigtingin pa natin ang pagbabantay laban sa mga illegal recruiter upang maprotektahan ang kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipinong manggagawa,” he stressed.
As the PNP sustains its intensified campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)