A Korean man was arrested in Davao City for alleged illegal recruitment of Filipinos for overseas work, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The suspect was apprehended on May 4 in an entrapment operation along McArthur Highway carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Davao City Field Unit with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Authorities said the 54-year-old, identified by an alias, had been offering factory jobs in South Korea without a license or authority to recruit on behalf of overseas employers.
Investigators said he accepted a placement fee from a complainant and promised work in Seoul with a monthly pay of about Php 92,000, along with free accommodation and meals, in exchange for a processing fee of Php 28,000.
Police said at least 40 individuals were allegedly recruited under the scheme, including 19 residents of Davao City.
The operation was conducted as part of enforcement of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, which penalizes illegal recruitment and protects Filipino workers from exploitation.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest reflected ongoing efforts to go after individuals taking advantage of Filipinos seeking employment abroad. He said such schemes put workers at risk and undermine legitimate opportunities.
He added that authorities would continue coordinating with partner agencies to track down illegal recruiters and strengthen safeguards for overseas job applicants, including stricter monitoring of recruitment activities.