₱200K-plus salary for ₱350K fees? 2 alleged illegal recruiters nabbed in Santiago City promising overseas jobs

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela – Promises of overseas jobs paying more than ₱200,000 a month, coupled with visa assistance and guaranteed employment, allegedly lured jobseekers into an illegal recruitment scheme that led to the arrest of two individuals in an entrapment operation here.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 2 identified the suspects as Emelita Melo and Joseph Arconcil, who were arrested at around 10 a.m. on August 28, 2026, in Barangay Rizal, Santiago City.

The two are reportedly employees of Learghusa Philippines – Immigration, Visa & Travel Agency, which later operated as Leisaphil Consultancy and Immigration Services in Santiago City. The business had reportedly been operating as an immigration consultancy since 2020.

According to local media reports, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) had been monitoring the establishment for several months following complaints involving alleged overseas job offers.

High salary, “guaranteed” job, hefty fees

Authorities said the suspects allegedly offered caregiver and healthcare-related jobs in Ireland, with salaries of up to €3,200 per month, or more than ₱230,000 based on recent exchange rates.

The alleged modus operandi reportedly involved presenting jobseekers with attractive overseas employment packages that included visa assistance and guaranteed employment.

Applicants were allegedly asked to pay an initial ₱15,000 assessment fee, while the total amount they could be required to pay reportedly reached as much as ₱350,000.

The amount allegedly covered evaluation, welfare processing, visa-related assistance and other supposed expenses until the applicant could leave the country.

The large upfront payments, combined with promises of high-paying jobs and guaranteed employment, are among the circumstances being examined by authorities in determining the extent of the alleged illegal recruitment operation.

2 arrested, 1 more sought

Authorities identified three employees who were allegedly involved in the recruitment activities, but only Melo and Arconcil were arrested during the operation after the third suspect reportedly failed to report for work.

The two arrested suspects were placed under CIDG custody, while authorities continued efforts to locate the remaining individual.

The DMW said possible charges could be filed against all three alleged participants.

As of the latest reports, the DMW had yet to establish the total number of people who may have transacted with the consultancy.

At least two individuals had directly reported to DMW Region 2, while additional reports had also reached the DMW central office and the CIDG.

The suspects were reportedly being held at the CIDG Provincial Office in Ilagan City as authorities prepared the filing of appropriate charges before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Santiago City.

DMW warns jobseekers

The operation prompted the DMW to remind Filipinos seeking jobs abroad to verify the license and authority of recruitment entities before submitting personal documents or paying any fees.

Jobseekers were also advised to be cautious of offers that promise unusually high salaries, guaranteed employment or visa assistance, particularly when applicants are asked to make large upfront payments.

The DMW encouraged individuals who may have transacted with the suspects to come forward and report their experiences.

Additional complaints could help authorities determine the extent of the alleged recruitment operation and assist in efforts to identify other possible victims and recover money that may have been lost.

Authorities likewise reminded jobseekers that a legitimate-looking office or consultancy does not by itself guarantee that an overseas job offer is legitimate.

Verification with the DMW should be made before paying recruitment-related fees or surrendering important personal documents.