NBI sues job recruiters

NURSING her grand dreams while nursing patients in a nondescript hospital in Maribojoc proved to be the root of all of Dolores Nacua's woes. From a decision to hit her dreams, she lost her job, the money she owed from a lending institution and her chance for a better life.

She took the promise of a P150T monthly pay as chief nurse in a clinic in Kuwait , hook, line and sinker. Nacua is one of the five misinformed applicants who also swallowed the same bait: a company abroad needs their services and is willing to pay. For that, they all raised money, paid placement fees and then hoped. In the end, they had nothing but empty bags.

Armed with sad tales, Nacua along with other victims identified as Louter Cabahug, Romulos Torres, Romulo Cenia and Peter Larobes asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to act on their complaints of large-scale illegal recruitment. All of them decided to leave behind families and shun ties in exchange for employment, fat paychecks, gracious fringe benefits, job perks and a good future for the family. And then only to find it all miserably toppling down in the end.

Complaint for violation of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995 is now filed against RCPA Business Ventures, whose business offices can be found at the third floor NDI Commercial Building along Ma. Clara St. , Tagbilaran City and Room C and E, Ramagi Building 1081 Pedro Gil St in Paco Metro Manila. RCPA here in Tagbilaran is represented by Valentina or Victory John Lungay.

Named respondents for illegal recruitment under the act and six counts of estafa are Valentina Lungay, Victory John Lungay, Marilyn Tribunalo, Jovenal Saransa, Sevlin Banlot and Proclene Lungay.

In a complaint prepared by NBI agent-in-charge Atty. Max Salvador to City Prosecutor Adriano Montes, the government body wants the respondents prosecuted for conspiracy in duping applicants in violation of the migrant act. Initial NBI investigations reveal that respondents posted advertisements for job openings abroad as early as March 2005. The company's approved job order was only for September 27, 2005. Respondents also charged processing fees without receipts and demanded placement fees from applicants. Instead of handing out official proofs, RCPA Venture staff gave temporary receipts.

The government investigating agency later learned RCPA Ventures, which is on the receiving end of the complaint is a licensed Philippine Overseas and Employment Agency (POEA) recruiter for Kuwait . They are then authorized to offer a mix of job orders ranging from medical to skilled workers. When its representatives promised higher pay however, NBI said it was a lie.

NBI also found out that applicants have satisfactorily complied with the requirements and were made to await for their passports in Manila . But, for a long wait, they were not able to leave for Kuwait . Applicants ultimately have to go back to Bohol .

Attempts of the victims to ask for refund of the placement and processing fees when the job promised did not materialize also fell on deaf ears, accrding to th NBI. Attempts by Post to hear the side of the respondents proved futile. Respondents were accordingly instructed by their lawyers to face the charges only in the proper forum.

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