For deploying Filipino workers to Syria despite the existing deployment ban, recruitment agencies and nine (9) individuals are now facing illegal recruitment cases filed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

The POEA Administrator, Hans Leo J. Cacdac, said in his report to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, that their government agency assisted 26 OFWs in filing cases for possible violations of prohibited acts under Republic Act 10022 by their respective recruitment companies.

POEA has also endorsed nine illegal recruitment cases to the Provincial

Prosecution Offices of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Norte, Sarangani,

Camarines Norte, Batangas, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao City.

The victims identified their alleged recruiters as

1. Aida Pinagayan
2. Zoraida Salem
3. Nora Valadi
4. Fatima Sabulawan
5. Marlyn dela Cruz
6. Crislyn Noble
7. Juliet dela Fuente
8. Jake Munib
9. Olivia Dayao,

The Recruitments Agencies:

The POEA news said that many of the agencies below either have expired, suspended or cancelled licenses:

1. HRHA Manpower International, Inc.
2. Miss Diamond Star International Manpower Services Inc.
3. MMM International Placement Corp.
4. Multi-System Conexions International Inc.
5. LFC International Human Resources
6. RCS Promotions and Overseas Placement Inc.
7. MSS Talent Management  Services, Inc.
8. Greengate Manpower Services Co.

The POEA chief encourages other Filipinos to report and file appropriate cases against individuals and recruitment agencies that are offering job opportunities in countries where a deployment ban is currently ongoing. The deployment ban to Syria was imposed on April 2011 because of continuous political conflicts and civil unrest.