NBI: Beware of illegal recruiters

04Mar10

People from the countryside continue to be fooled by illegal job recruiters, the National Bureau of investigation disclosed Tuesday.

NBI Pangasinan Agent-in-Charge Rogelio Mamauag said that his office every now and then receives complaints from victims of illegal recruiters who come mostly from the rural areas. “Sinasamantala nila ang kahirapan at gusto naman ng ating mga kababayan na umangat sa kanilang kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng pag-aabroad,” he told the Pantongtongan Tayo radio program of the Philippine Information Agency over Radyo ng Bayan.

“Kailangan magisip-isip muna tayo bago bitawan ang pera,” Rizalino Leano, also of NBI Pangasinan, urged the public.

Mamauag called on the people to be on alert against suspected criminal elements in their areas and inform NBI thru call or text message. The cellular hotlines are 09081584000 and 09063524000.

He said that law enforcement agencies like the NBI and the police will be more effective in the campaign against criminality if the people fully cooperate. NBI launched last December the program “Krimen sa Barangay Isumbong sa NBI” which, he said, aimed to solicit public support and cooperation.

He said that NBI welcomes any report or complaint. “If you know something tell us what’s happening in your area. Labanan ang krimen sa buong kapaligiran ng walang nakakaalam,” he said.

Mamauag, who had stints in various parts of Northern Luzon before his reassignment to Pangasinan about a year ago, belied perceptions that his agency is more effective than the police in solving crimes. “In fairness to the police, their personnel are now highly professionalized, they have doctors, lawyers and technical staff,” he noted, adding that NBI works hand in hand with other law enforcement agencies once the agency is asked to help.

Meanwhile, he said that issuance of NBI clearance is made within the day if there is no problem like having a similar name. If there is, the clearance may be issued in two to three weeks because of the ongoing transfer of the NBI Records Clearance Unit from Carriedo to Caloocan, he said. “Unawain nyo sana kami dahil di pa tapos yong transfer ng nasabing unit,” he added.