Female Pastor Detained for Suspected Illegal Recruitment Scheme
CHURCH MISSION? – A female pastor was arrested at the airport for allegedly being involved in illegal recruitment.
The pastor was detained along with nine others, and authorities suspect that she had planned to take them on a “church mission” to Thailand. However, it is believed that most of her companions were intended to be sent elsewhere, with no intention of returning home.
Jimmy De Leon, Chief of the NBI International Airport Investigation Division, stated that two of the pastor’s companions revealed she had promised them volunteer work at a public school abroad. They were told they would receive only an allowance for their services. One of the individuals traveling with her expressed how persuasive the pastor’s preaching was, noting her ability to convince others with her words.
The female pastor remained silent when questioned by an ABS-CBN reporter, as seen in a video shared by the network. Authorities are continuing to investigate the situation to uncover the full scope of the alleged illegal recruitment scheme.
Law enforcement officials are advising individuals who plan to work abroad to verify job offers through official government channels to avoid falling prey to illegal recruitment activities. This case highlights the importance of ensuring that job offers are legitimate before committing to opportunities overseas.
Meanwhile, illegal recruitment refers to the act of hiring individuals for employment, typically abroad, under false pretenses or without proper authorization. This involves deceptive practices such as promising jobs, work permits, or visas without legal backing, charging excessive fees, or misrepresenting job conditions.
The recruiter may not be licensed or accredited by the government, making the recruitment process unlawful. Victims of illegal recruitment may face exploitation, unsafe working conditions, or even human trafficking. It is crucial for job seekers to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies through proper government channels to avoid falling into these illegal schemes.