Woman arrested in Manila for gypping 2 would-be OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — A 32-year-old woman was arrested on Monday for allegedly gypping two would-be overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of over P132,500 for non-existent jobs abroad, police said on Tuesday.

Police said the suspect, Annie Lou Palo, of 2 Orillano St., Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, was cornered during an operation at Room 302 of Tiaoqui Building in Plaza Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Senior Police Officer 3 Ricardo G, Magbanua, of the Manila police’s Mayor’s Special Action Team (MSAT), said the arrest stemmed from complaints filed by Sheryl Sante, 30, of Bigatan village in Tanza, Cavite and Leonardo Cabanela Jr, 27, a seaman from Bagong Silang in Cutod, Angeles City.

Sante alleged that she and her husband paid P60,000 cash to the suspect as placement and processing fees while Cabanela claimed that he was duped of P72,500.

The two sought the help of MSAT personnel led by Abet Villanueva.

Sante claimed that her husband, Dexter, was recruited by the suspect as a fisherman. They paid P67,000 to the HJL Management Services on November 25, 2007 but only the amount of P37,000 was placed on a receipt.

Since Dexter left, he contacted his wife only once and failed to send her allotment. Sheryl failed to contact her husband, prompting her to seek help of retired police Supt. Franklin Gacutan, MCAT director.

A police report showed that the suspect has no permit for recruiting, manning and crewing of personnel abroad.

Authorities conducted an operation at the office of the suspect and arrested her on Monday afternoon.

Another complainant, Cabanela, filed a complaint against the suspect and claimed that he was recruited as seaman of the HJL Management Services with office at Room 302 Tiaoqui Building, Plaza Sta. Cruz, Manila.

On May 20, 2008, he paid P70,000 to the suspect who promised him that he would be deployed for employment in Malaysia.

The suspect failed to deploy him for employment and he went frequently to the office to follow-up his employment.

On July 28, 2008, Cabanela went to the office to follow-up his employment and found out that the suspect was being arrested at the time. He then filed also a complaint against the suspect.

The complainants even presented official receipts and a certification from Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The suspect was inquested for illegal recruitment.

On the other hand, the Manila City Hall represented by Benigno Bagabaldo of the Bureau of Permit also filed charges for operating business without permit against the suspect. - GMANews.TV

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