Dubai-bound Filipina arrested at Manila airport over alleged illegal recruitment, estafa cases

Dubai: A Filipina woman travelling to Dubai has been arrested at Manila’s main international airport after immigration officers discovered an active warrant of arrest linked to alleged illegal recruitment and estafa cases, according to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP).

The 41-year-old passenger has been intercepted on July 5, during immigration screening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, while she was preparing to leave the Philippines.

Immigration screening leads to arrest

In a Facebook post, the PNP AVSEGROUP has noted that the Bureau of Immigration flagged the passenger after its system revealed an "outstanding warrant" against her.

NAIA Police Station 3 personnel has verified the information and coordinated with the Manila Police District (MPD) Warrant and Subpoena Section for the implementation of the warrant.

MPD operatives have later carried out the formal arrest at the airport.

Charges linked to recruitment, estafa

The woman has been facing charges of large-scale and syndicated illegal recruitment under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, which defines and penalises illegal recruitment.

The charge carries no recommended bail.

Moreover, the accused has been facing an estafa case in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, with a recommended bail of ₱30,000.

Turned over for legal action

Meanwhile, the accused is now under custody of the MPD for documentation and further legal proceedings.

PNP AVSEGROUP director police brigadier general Dionisio Bartolome Jr. has stressed that authorities will continue efforts to locate wanted individuals and ensure that those facing cases are brought before the proper legal process.

“We continue to strengthen our campaign against wanted persons to ensure that those facing cases are brought before the proper process of law,” said Bartolome in Filipino.