Santiago City authorities arrest two for alleged illegal overseas recruitment scam

Two individuals, identified as Emelita Melo and Joseph Arconcil, were arrested in Santiago City, Isabela, for allegedly conducting illegal recruitment operations. The suspects, employees of Learghusa Philippines (also known as Leisaphil Consultancy and Immigration Services), reportedly lured jobseekers with promises of caregiver and healthcare positions in Ireland.

The alleged scheme offered monthly salaries of approximately €3,200, or over ₱230,000. To secure these “guaranteed” jobs and visa assistance, applicants were reportedly charged fees ranging from an initial ₱15,000 assessment to a total of ₱350,000.

The arrests were the result of a joint entrapment operation involving the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region 2, the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Authorities noted that the consultancy lacked the necessary DMW license or authority to recruit workers for overseas employment. DMW officials have warned the public to verify the licenses of recruitment entities to avoid falling victim to similar deceptive offers.