Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) — Officers from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will go to Italy to investigate reports that job-seekers were scammed and illegally recruited by fellow Filipinos running a recruitment agency there.
The DMW on Thursday said it met with the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation for a case buildup against recruiter Alpha Assistenza.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said the agency is looking at a “conspiracy” angle with local entities.
DMW said Alpha Assistenza offered jobs in hotels and restaurants in Italy, with victims paying from ₱100,000 to as much as ₱300,000 for their application. Applicants obtain work permits only to discover these are fake when presented at the visa processing center.
The Department of Foreign Affairs reported a total of 221 complainants as of Oct. 4.
The lawyer of Alpha Assistenza CEO Krizelle Respicio said his client is not involved in any recruitment. According to its website, the company provides “immigration services.”
“The story will come out, the truth will come out,” company counsel Charlie Pascual said, as he visited the Department of Justice on Thursday to declare his client’s willingness to work with authorities.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a resolution seeking a probe on what he calls large-scale fraud.
He said the probe should also cover victims’ claims that the Philippine Consulate in Milan did not assist Filipinos in distress.
