5 POEA officers cleared of human trafficking charges

The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed human trafficking charges against five Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) officers after the evidence did not establish that their delay in canceling the licenses of three recruitment agencies was intentional.

According to a Philippine Star report, the POEA officers are Alejandro Padaem, Jesus Gabriel Domingo, Marieta de la Cruz, Ernesto Vistro and Nascel Gabito.

It had been alleged that the officers conspired to classify three recruitment agencies as with “good standing” even if their licenses were due for cancellation. As a result, these agencies were able to deploy 100 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), some of whom were abused and asked to be repatriated, said former POEA officer Stephen Cascolan. The OFWs involved, however, did not give their own declaration, said the DOJ, prompting them to dismiss this as hearsay.

For more information, see Philippine Star DOJ clears 5 POEA execs of human trafficking raps.