Philippines – A Caloocan court has sent a bogus recruiter to prison for up to 16 years after he swindled a jobseeker out of more than ₱700,000 with the promise of a nursing aide post in Singapore.
According to a statement from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) – Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), Roderick Paculdar y Reyes was found guilty of Illegal Recruitment by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 126 in Caloocan City. Workers who suspect fraudulent recruitment can report it through the DMW tip line at https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip.
How the Scam Unfolded
Between March and April 2024, the complainant handed over more than ₱700,000 after Paculdar convinced them he could arrange a Singapore deployment. The problem: he had no license or authority to recruit anyone for overseas work.
Investigators later confirmed that Paculdar was not affiliated with, nor employed by, any licensed recruitment agency. That made every fee he collected illegal from the start.
The Entrapment That Sealed the Case
The scheme fell apart when Paculdar pushed his luck and asked for an extra ₱6,500. With help from the DMW, the victim reported the matter to the Caloocan City Police, setting the stage for a sting.
- Date: April 18, 2024
- Location: Outside Jollibee, SM City Grand Central, Caloocan City
- Result: Marked money was recovered from Paculdar and later presented as evidence in court
DMW’s Role in the Prosecution
The DMW stayed with the case from start to finish. It took the complainant’s statement, prepared and filed the charges, and provided legal support throughout the trial. The agency also served as special collaborating prosecutor, working side by side with the DOJ prosecutor during hearings.
The court ruled that Paculdar violated the Labor Code and Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by RA No. 10022, since he lacked the required license and authorization to recruit and place workers.
The Penalty
The court handed down a firm sentence:
- Prison term: 14 years and 1 day to 16 years
- Fine: ₱1,000,000
- Restitution: ₱737,357 to the complainant, plus 6% legal interest per year
A Warning to Jobseekers Abroad
The DMW is again urging Filipinos hunting for overseas work to verify before they pay. Confirm that any recruiter or agency is licensed and authorized by the DMW, and flag suspicious activity right away. A quick check can save your money and your future.