The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is spearheading joint efforts with local government units against illegal recruitment this year.

Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said in a press statement that this is provided in Executive Order 548-A which reiterates the anti-illegal functions of the POEA as stated in Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995. The new order amends and supersedes the previous EO which created a task force against illegal recruitment under the supervision of the Commission of Filipino Overseas, the press statement added.

Brion, however, said the CFO shall be in charged of the Task Force Against Human Trafficking as provided for by Executive Order 548-A, adding that EO 548-A redefines in clearer terms the functions of POEA and CFO in the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

The new order will enable the POEA to coordinate with the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure greater focus in fighting illegal recruiters down to the local level.

POEA has started forging agreements with LGUs in Metro Manila late last year, calling for the active participation of concerned local government authorities in surveillance and investigation of establishments and entities suspected of engaging in illegal recruitment in their respective jurisdictions, the press release said.

The POEA is set to sign similar agreements with other LGUs in Metro Manila and other regions this year, the press statement said.

POEA shall continue to adopt policies and procedures and implement programs towards the eradication of illegal recruitment and also coordinate with the TFHT, along with and other government agencies and the CFO which serves as task force chair, in addressing the problem on human trafficking.

As TFHT chairman, the CFO shall recommend to the inter-agency council against trafficking policies, programs, and services aimed at eliminating trafficking in persons.*

back to top