Agusan del Sur inks MOU with IOM, POEA to curb illegal recruitment

By David M. Suyao

Monday 16th of July 2012

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 16 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that would curb illegal recruitment and trafficking in person in Agusan del Sur.

In welcome remarks during the training on anti-illegal recruitment and anti- trafficking in person on July 12 at Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. said he was once an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, but he was lucky enough to have a good employer, unlike many other OFWs who became victims of illegal recruiters.

“While I was in Saudi Arabia, I personally witnessed many of our fellow Filipinos displaced because the work they were doing was not in accordance to the contract they signed. I am therefore very glad that this training seminar for the Philippine National Police, the prosecutors, and other involved agencies with the local government units (LGUs) so that no one will become victims of the illegal recruiters,” Cane said.

POEA deputy administrator Jaime Jimenez said although they started the campaign on the prevention of illegal recruitment and trafficking in person some 30 years ago, it is sad to note that many are still victims of trafficking.

In his message, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said he is glad that a training was conducted in Agusan del Sur because it is not only the responsibility of the national government to stop this crime but more on the LGUs, especially in remote places.

Plaza said, many OFWs come back in tears because instead of getting the money they were expecting, they got far less but they did not report this to proper government agencies because of lack of knowledge and confidence.

He also called on the PNP to find ways to apply legal procedures during apprehension and investigation of illegal recruiters so that filing of cases and prosecution will be successful.

“I am also asking the POEA, the DOLE, and other government agencies to encourage legal and stable recruitment agencies to conduct recruitment in Agusan del Sur because the provincial government has funds to help the applicants to work abroad, if they pass the requirements,” Plaza said.

The training proper started was presented by Atty. Antonio Millanes and Atty. Jone Fung of the POEA. (RER/DMS-PIA13, Agusan del Sur)