Violations noted on first day of campaign period

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO  - As the campaign period for the local candidates in the province officially started, violations on campaign propaganda had been noted in different public places. 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier reminded candidates to observe the rules on poster size not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet.

However, life size posters with some even bigger were placed by the supporters of these candidates in town plazas, public markets, barangay halls and other public plazas. 

Most  of these posters were installed long before the campaign period wherein by virtue of  existing laws governing the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections, individuals who filed certificate of candidacies are not yet considered candidates until the start of the campaign period. 

The poll body earlier told  them to remove illegal postings before the start of their campaign period but over-sized posters remained posted. 

“They should start removing them because on Saturday we will surely notice all those that are illegally placed,” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said in a previous media interview. 

Comelec  through the municipal election officers in different towns also designated common poster areas but the latter are now seen  everywhere with some even nailed on  trees located along the highways. 

Under Resolution No. 9616, the Comelec will “issue notices to remove campaign materials to candidates and/or parties whose campaign materials are posted in public places or places not authorized as common poster areas.”

The campaign period for local candidates actually starts on March 29 but the Comelec prohibits campaign activities on Good Friday and shall end on May 11.

Guv wants employment for illegal recruitment victims, OFWs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The provincial government yesterday  vowed to provide employment opportunities to the victims of illegal recruitment and former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) including their skilled family members.

Governor Lilia Pineda said that they had been consistently working in partnership with the concerned government agency to ensure employment for every Kapampangan who is able and willing to work in any capacity both in local and foreign market. 

However, she initially noted that only those who coordinated with the Pampanga Action Center for Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concern (PACOC)  will be given priority in this initiative. 

PACOC is under the supervision of its Chief Eliza Rey Munoz whose main office is located at the side of the  capitol building near the provincial jail. 

Pineda added that target individuals will be absorved by the provincial government offices tasked to implement various programs  including infrastructure projects, and delivery of basic services among others. 

The governor believed that most of the victims of illegal recruitment and Kapampangan  OFWs are skilled workers who can contribute to bring the best projects for the people in the province. 

Earlier, fifteen persons from Lubao town had sought the assistance of Pineda through PACOC invloving the filing of a case in court for large scale estafa and illegal recruitment against a suspected group of illegal recruiters who enticed them to work in Africa.

These illegal recruitment victims  were identified as Ruben Larioza, Robert Chavez, Rody Evangelista, Romeo Manalansan, Arnold dela Cruz, Joel Manalansan, Marcos Manalansan, Ramil Sangalang, Alvin Dela Pena and other five more individuals. 

It was also learned that there were 8 other individuals who also went to PACOC office  concerning the illegal activity but in the end opted not to be included in the list of the complainants in the said case. 

Meanwhile, based from the Provincial Engineering’s Economic Statistics Report on Infrastructure Projects, some  4,806 Kapampangans  were alrady employed under the infrastructure projects of Governor  Pineda implemented within the first 30 months with a total labor cost of P117,734,636.53

Town warns retailers of petroleum products

CANDABA - The municipal government here has issued another warning this time to the owners of stores in the communities engaged in reselling of petroleum and other combustible materials.

 

This came as several concerned residents are complaining about the danger it may cause to the people with the improper handling of the products.

 

Leny Manalo, municipal chief of staff, in an interview said that there is a need to regulate the conduct of selling petroleum as the safety of the public is at stake.

 

He also stressed that under the newly approved Revised Internal Revenue Code of Candaba, such business activity is regulated and could not be easily undertaken without securing permit solely for the storage and  selling of petroleum and other combustible materials.

 

“This is different from the regular business permits being issued by the municipal government to any individual engage in local commerce,” Manalo noted.

 

As this developed, Manalo instructed the local police to warn the business owners who were found to be selling the said products to settle and secure the necessary permits to warrant a lawful conduct of business.

 

“Iyong police natin ang mangunguna para sabihan iyong mga tindahan na nagbebenta ng gasolina sa mga kanto. Delikado kasi ito lalu kung hindi maayos ang container na pinaglalagyan nila,” he told Sun Star Pampanga.

 

The police will be closely working with the municipal licensing and business division to determine who among business owners are paying the required fees for storing and selling petroleum under the internal revenue code

DA, capitol provide farm equipment to farmers

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and provincial government had jointly extended support to the farmers in the province through the provisions of farm equipment including hand tractors with trailers.

 

Governor Lilia Pineda and Board Member  Olga Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon the other day led the distribution of hand tractors in a simple ceremony held at Lubao town.

 

The agriculture department provided at least P448,000 covering the 85 percent of the purchase amount leaving the other 15 percent or P112,000 as share of the farmer-beneficiaries but was shouldered by the provincial government as per instruction of Pineda.

 

This joint initiative is aimed increasing the capability of the local farmers to further increase their production which in effect will benefit their respective families and the province in general.

 

These farm equipments were received by the representatives of Barangay Agriculture and Fishery Council (BAFC) from Dolores, Bacolor town,  Pangclara Farmers and Irrigators Association from Candaba, and Irrigators Association from Porac.

 

Meanwhile, a reaper amounting to P152,000 was also given by Pangclara FIA of Candaba to be used by more than 100 farmers in town.

 

It was also learned, beneficiaries are given the discretion on whether or not to collect usage fees from non-member farmers upon the use of provided farm equipment.

Guv: campaign period shall affect capitol's services

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial chief executive yesterday assured the Kapampangan that the start of local election period campaign period will not hamper the delivery of basic services to the people. 

Governor Lilia Pineda diclosed that the campain period for the local candidates is set to begin on March 29 which shall last for a period of 45 days.

With this, she said nothing would change in the provincial government as the welfare and the concern of the people remain the primary concern.

Pineda even urged the capitol employees to stay focus in  doing their respective jobs particularly during the campaign period as she promised to do the same. 

The governor likewise told the employees not to engage in political activities such as campaigning and endorsing for any candidate this 2013 midterm elections. 

“Do not involve yourselves in any partisan activities. As public servants, you should remain impartial and neutral to prevent criticism that your office is being use to solicit support and sympathy from the people,” Pineda stated.

Meanwhile, she reiterated her call for the local candidates in  various municipal candidates including their supporters for a peaceful conduct of elections.

She said it is upon the Kapampangan to prove that  Pampanga is a peace loving province even during elections. 

This came as the Pampanga was included by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the top 15 provinces in the country with high probability of violence relating to the upcoming elections. 

Pineda also asked the Kapampangan to include the election in their prayer this Holy Week.

“Let us pray that no one gets hurt because of the election,” she said.

Candidates use networking sites to solicit votes

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Several  local candidates in the province had maximized the potential of the social networking sites to reach out voters and constituents in a wider perspective. 

Far from the conventional ways of campaigning, candidates in different elective positions from the provincial down to the municipal level had signed up their respective Facebook accounts.

These accounts provided them free online presence wherein they can post their programs, projects and photos as well as their  flat form of government to solicit support,   votes and increase their chances of winning   in the upcoming midterm elections. 

Some politicians with an existing Facebook accounts are Governor Lilia Pineda, former Governor Eddie Panlilio, Congressman Tarzan Lazatin, Representative Aurelio Gonzales, Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. 

Incumbent mayors with the same accounts are  Jerry Pelayo,  Ed Pamintuan, Lito Naguit, Arturo Naguit, Annette Flores-Balgan, Condralito Dela Cruz, Teddy Tumang, Marino Morales, Jun Tetangco among others. 

On the contrary, it was observed that social networking site like Facebook has also been utilized by some individuals including candidates to discredit, attack and expose the wrongdoings of  their rivals.

Meanwhile, reports have it that with this technological advancement, the Commission on Election can now easily notify election candidates of their campaign violations through their Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

Aside from issuing a formal notice, the poll body usually posts photos of illegal posters in social media, putting pressure on the candidates to remove them at once.

Many social networking sites recorded millions of members using their networks on regular basis to communicate, share, create, and collaborate with others. 

Popular  sites include Facebook, LinkedIn , Twitter and Google+.

Emirates to fly at Clark Airport

Dubai carrier will fly to Clark Airport effective Oct. 1 

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, announced on Monday that from October 1, 2013, it will begin daily, non-stop flights to Clark International Airport, the airline’s second destination in the Philippines. 

Emirates has been operating flights to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, since 1990 and, due to the demand, has continued to increase its flight frequency on the route to its current triple daily, non-stop service. 

Clark International Airport is located in the province of Pampanga in Central Luzon, which is 80 kilometres to the north of Manila. Its strategic location means it has a catchment area of 17 million people. 

“There has always been a growing demand for Emirates’ services since we connected Manila with Dubai and our constantly expanding network on six continents. The launch of flights between Clark International Airport and Dubai will offer our passengers the flexibility of choosing from two destinations in the Philippines,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. (Press release)

“I would like to extend Emirates’ thanks to the Government of the Philippines and the Civil Aviation and Clark Authority that have made the start of this service possible, we look forward to building on our relationship with the country and the enhancement of key tourism and trade links between the Philippines and the UAE, and beyond to our global network,” added Clark. 

Operated by a two-class Boeing 777-300ER, EK338 will depart Dubai at 0400hrs and arrive at Clark International Airport at 1640hrs. The return flight, EK339 will depart at 1835hrs and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2305hrs. 

With the new daily flight to Clark International Airport, Emirates SkyCargo will be able to provide more than 160 tonnes of additional cargo hold capacity each way per week, further supporting Philippines exports of perishables, such as dairy products, fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood and electrical and electronic equipment, and its imports of textiles, apparel, plants, flowers and chemical products. 

A government study estimated that there are 10 million Filipinos living outside the Philippines – about 10 per cent of the country’s home population. The largest number of overseas Filipinos reside mainly in the United States. The region with the largest temporary overseas Filipino population is the Middle East with approximately 2.9 million Filipinos, with 680,000 living in the UAE. 

For his part, Mr. Anand Lakshminarayanan, Divisional Vice President for Route Planning & Economics, expressed his thanks to the Department of Tourism – Region III led by Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico for providing the airlines substantial guidance and feedback on the market potential of the said route while they were conducting research last year. He likewise thanked CEO Chichos Luciano of Clark International Airport Corp. for his influence and support in the decision-making process. 

Agreement on bamboo propagation forged

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The  Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) forged an agreement with the  Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST)  for massive planting of bamboo in Pampanga and neighboring provinces. 

Maximo Dichoso,  DENR regional executive director disclosed that PCAARRD agreed to provide an initial investment of P3.5 million with the DENR providing another P1.5 million.

This is aimed at maximizing the economic and ecological potential of bamboo as an alternative source of livelihood for the people. 

 “This project recognizes the enormous potential of bamboo not only for construction and furniture, but also for environmental rehabilitation, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation,” Dichoso said.

The project will cover at least 40 hectares of bamboo plantation in Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Zambales.

With this several hundreds of upland farmers are expected to be employed  under the cash-for-work porgram by the national government. 

“Given the right socio-economic and political environment, Central Luzon can very well supply this international demand for commercial bamboo,” he noted. 

The Philippines is the world’s sixth biggest exporter of bamboo products in the world, with a total export value reaching $30 million in 2009.

Town wants to empower drivers

CANDABA - The municipal government here wanted to  empower various tricycle drivers associations by giving them an oppurtunity to have an extra income through livelihood program.

This came as Mayor Jerry Pelayo along with other local officials  previously led the groundbreaking of the proposed spare parts shop inside the compound of the Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig this town. 

"Ang gusto natin ay sila na mismo ang magtitinda ng mga piyesa na kailangan nila. Bibigyan natin sila ng puhunan para iyong tubo pagbenta ng piyesa ay sa cooperatiba na mapupunta at mabibili na nila ito sa mababang halaga," Pelayo told Sun Star Pampanga. 

It was learned that the drivers' associations are expected to receive an initial capital of P250,000 to start their own business.

Aside from this, they are also set to undergo trainings and seminars on small engine mechanic in coordination with the Provincial Manpower and Training Center (PMTC) and other concerned agency on the matter. 

"Papa-train natin sila sa pagme-mekaniko para kapag mayroon sila ang kanilang motor ay sila nalang mismo ang gagawa pati piyesa sa kanila na rin," Pelayo said. 

The spare parts shop will be placed under the management of the drivers through their cooperative.

"Kapag tumatakbo na iyong shop nila, maglalagay din tayo ng grocery para lahat ng miyembro ay doon na lamang mamimili ng kanilang kailangan may special discount din para sa kanila," the mayor stated.

VM advocates clean, honest elections

CANDABA - Incumbent Vice Mayor Daniel Gallardo other day disclosed that he wanted win in the 2013 midterm elections with a his conscience clean and that he be judged based on his performance as presiding officer in the municipal council.

Gallardo said he would not compromise his long years in public service just to get a fresh mandate unlike candidates who are resorting to indirect vote buying activity.

"Gusto ko manalo ako, hindi dahil namili ako ng boto kundi gusto talaga ako ng mga tao," he pointed out.

The vice mayor is advocating for a clean and honest elections so that in the end the people here would get the kind of government they deserve.

"Kung magpupunta lang sila sa akin parahumingi ng pera huwag na lang dahil mapapahiya lang sila sa akin. Kahit hindi na nila ako iboto," he  stated.

It was learned that Gallardo has been subjected to an election protest by ex-mayor Normita Evangelista who run for vice mayor in 2010 before Regional Trial Court Branch 48 Judge Serafin B. David in the City of San Fernando on the grounds that the results of the election for vice mayor were “pre-programmed”. . 

However, the  Commission on Elections (Comelec) junked with finality the motion for reconsideration on petition for certiorari and mandamus filed against him in relation to the May 2010 polls.

Gallardo who garnered 15,388 votes as against the 15,262 votes of Evangelista, a margin of 126 votes in 2010 elections. 

He is currently  the running mate of Gerard Patrick "Kuya Pat" Pelayo under the Kapanalig at Kambilan neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) party.

CANDABA - Incumbent Vice Mayor Daniel Gallardo other day disclosed that he wanted win in the 2013 midterm elections with a his conscience clean and that he be judged based on his performance as presiding officer in the municipal council.

Gallardo said he would not compromise his long years in public service just to get a fresh mandate unlike candidates who are resorting to indirect vote buying activity.

"Gusto ko manalo ako, hindi dahil namili ako ng boto kundi gusto talaga ako ng mga tao," he pointed out.

The vice mayor is advocating for a clean and honest elections so that in the end the people here would get the kind of government they deserve.

"Kung magpupunta lang sila sa akin parahumingi ng pera huwag na lang dahil mapapahiya lang sila sa akin. Kahit hindi na nila ako iboto," he  stated.

It was learned that Gallardo has been subjected to an election protest by ex-mayor Normita Evangelista who run for vice mayor in 2010 before Regional Trial Court Branch 48 Judge Serafin B. David in the City of San Fernando on the grounds that the results of the election for vice mayor were “pre-programmed”. . 

However, the  Commission on Elections (Comelec) junked with finality the motion for reconsideration on petition for certiorari and mandamus filed against him in relation to the May 2010 polls.

Gallardo who garnered 15,388 votes as against the 15,262 votes of Evangelista, a margin of 126 votes in 2010 elections. 

He is currently  the running mate of Gerard Patrick "Kuya Pat" Pelayo under the Kapanalig at Kambilan neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) party. 

Discharge of polluted water in Pampanga River noted

MACABEBE - Some residents here whose main source of living is defendent on fishing are complaining about discharge of waste and polluted water to Pampanga River and other major waterways.

Pepito Lagman,  a  resident in one of the coastal barangays in this town bared most of the fishpond operators are causing pollution through discharge of contaminated water in the nearest body of water.

"Wala naman tayong gustong siraan pero yung mga may ari ng fishpond na nagpapakain ng feeds sa kanilang mga isda naglalabas ng tubig na may halong chemical mula sa kanilang pinapakain. Apektado kasi ang ani dahil sa chemical na nakakain ng mga isda sa labas ng mga fishponds," he told Sun Star Pampanga in an interview.

Lagman said the adverse effect could be avoided if the fihspond owners and operators are responsible enough in the conduct of their business.

"Dapat i-require silang magkaroon ng septic tank para doon na lamang nila ilabas yung tubig mula sa kanilang mga fishpond. Parehong makikinabang ang kalikasan at ang mga taong umaasa lamang sa biyaya ng kailugan," he added.

Another fisherman here shared that before, they have been catching several kilos ng fish in just three hours of  fishing in Pampanga River, which according to him enough to feed his family for a day aside from being able to buy immediate needs of the family.

"Pero ngayon konti na lamang ang nakukuha kahit buong araw kapang mangisda," the fisherman stated.

With this, Lagman suggested that the municipal government should regulate the conduct of doing fishing business in the locality to ensure that the welfare residents is not compromise

UNA senatorial bet pushes additional benefits for 'tanods', BHWs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Former senator and United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial bet Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri the other day disclosed that he will push for additional benefits to barangay police (tanods) and community health workers if he gets elected as senator this coming elections .

Zubiri speaking before the crowd of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Pampanga recognized their contribution in carrying out the health agenda of the government.

Under his proposal, the national government will allocate budget through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the package of benefits intended for the tanods and BHWs.

"Napansin ko kasi yung ibang matagal ng nagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Mayroon pa nga dyan na umabot na sa mahigit tatlungpong taon sa serbisyo pero pag retire nila wala man lang silang natatanggap mula sa pamahalaan," he noted. 

With this,  Zubiri is set to propose  for a package of benefits which include compensation, medical insurance, retirement benefits, additional allowances, among others. 

However, he clarified that funds for this purpose shall come from the national government and not from the Internal Revenue Allotment by the local government units. 

"Pagdating sa kalusugan ninyo, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno," he stated. 

Zubiri stressed that in case his proposal will be approved by both congress-Senate and House of Representatives, the community health workers, tanods and other barangay officials will be classified as regular government employees to entitle them with the said benefits. 

Drivers ask council to intervene on election of officers

CANDABA - The members of  Candaba-Baliuag-Bahay Pare (CBB) Tricycle Operators-Drivers Association (Toda) yesterday sought the assistance of the municipal council here for the holding of election to replace their set of officers whose term of office had already expired.

Cipriano Sanguyo, a CBB Toda member,  said that based on their existing by laws, the term of office of the  key officers including the Board of Directors  already ended December last year and the continuing vacancy is leading to misunderstanding and disarray of the daily routine of the association.

However, Sanguyo noted that the current Toda president failed to call for the conduct of election as mandated by their internal rules and regulations.

This election  is supposedly scheduled on December 30, 2012 but to the surprise of the members, no election was held as the current officers allegedly on their own decided to extend their term of office until after the 2013 midterm elections. 

Salvador Santos, also a  Toda member stated that disgruntled members already signed a petition asking their officers to voluntarily spearhead the conduct of election to give way to the new set of officers who will manage the affairs of the association. 

Santos noted that the problem was first brought to the barangay hoping that village chief Arnold Canimo could mediate on it. 

"Nagpunta na po kami sa barangay pero wala pong ginawa ang aming kapitan," another tricycle driver narrated. 

Vice Mayor Daniel Gallardo  for his part told the Toda members to appoint their temporary or interim representatives to make sure that some issues and concerns are properly addressed. 

Gallardo said an ordinary member has no personality to represent the association unless he was duly authorized by at least two thirds of the total membership.

He said interim representatives shall only act until after the new set of officers were elected. 

CBB-Toda has a total membership of more than 450 tricycle operator-drivers. 

Present during the council committee hearing were councilors Edgardo Gulapa, Michael Sagum, Narciso Maglanque, Racquel Foz, Charina Sombillo and Francisco Magat

Naguit endorses Pelayo for congress

MINALIN - This town Mayor Arturo Naguit has publicly endorsed the candidacy of Candaba Mayor Jerry "John Lloyd" Pelayo for 4th congressman.

Naguit said that for so long the congressional seat  has been held by the Bondoc family.

The mayor stated that this is the right time to entertain reform and change of leadership in the 4th district.

 "Magagawa natin ito sa tulong ni Mayor Jerry. Kaya kami sa Minalin ay buo ang suporta namin sa kanya, " he added.

It can be noted that the late Emigdio Bondoc first assumed the congressional seat during the eight congress in 1987 until 1998. He has held the position for at least 11 years. 

He  was replaced by his son Juan Pablo also known as Rimpy  who was then elected as district representative in 1998 .

After serving his full terms, his sister  Dra. Anna York Sagum became the congresswoman in 2004 wherein she has served for three consecutive terms which about to end this 2013.

Rimpy is now eyeing for a comeback to replace his graduating sister in congress.

"Balamu mu wari anti yamung bola ing congress para king 4th district? Pipasa pasa de ring mipa-pamilya kaybat ning Tatang ing anak a lalaki potang kayi ing wali. Bisa ne na naman ing koya. Makanita namu wari?," Naguit ended.

Capitol to identify fishing boundary between Bataan and Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Fourth district Board Member Nestor "Bay" Tolentino disclosed that the provincial government is set to establish a marker that will establish the territorial water boundary between Pampanga and Bataan.

Tolentino  recently said  the provincial board approved an ordinance allocating a particular budget  amounting to at least P1.5-million  for the purpose.

He added that there is a compelling need to identify the fishing boundary fronting the province of Bataan to protect the fishermen in the coastal municipalities in the province.

"Madami sa ating mga mangingisda ang hinuhuli dyan sa Bataan kaya dapat malaman na talaga natin  kung saan talaga ang boundary  para maproteksiyunan naman natin ang ating mga kababayan," Tolentino stated.

He noted that for last year alone, several fishermen from Masantol and other neighboring towns were apprehended by Bataan authorities allegedly for encroaching into their fishing territory and engaging to illegal fishing.

"Si Governor Pineda ang dami na niyang napiyansahan at hindi na niya nababawi ang kaniyang pera," the board member noted.

The boundary will be determined with the help of the Bureau and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other concerned agencies of the government to ensure that the marker will be properly installed.

Earlier, Lilian Cruz Garcia, BFAR assistant regional director joined a dialogue  with the fishermen held in Macabebe town led by Governor Lilia  Pineda and other local officials.

This initiative is aimed at putting an end on the fishing boundary dispute leading to the arrest of some fishermen.

Illegal recruiters in Pampanga face raps

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Fifteen Kapampangan from Lubao town who sought the assistance of Governor Lilia G. Pineda through the Pampanga Action Center for Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concern (PACOC) had filed in court large scale estafa and illegal recruitment against a suspected group of illegal recruiters who enticed them to work in Africa.

PACOC Chief Eliza Rey Munoz immediately coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for further investigation and filing of appropriate cases against the group responsible for the alleged illegal recruitment activities in Lubao.

Munoz identified the victims as Ruben Larioza, Robert Chavez, Rody Evangelista, Romeo Manalansan, Arnold dela Cruz, Joel Manalansan, Marcos Manalansan, Ramil Sangalang, Alvin Dela Pena and other five more complainants.

The victims through PACOC had also named the members of the suspected group of illegal recruiters operating in Lubao as Cynthia Soria Benitez of Tabaco, Albay, Mario Pallasigue of Mexico, Pampanga, April Anne Perez Mariano and former Barangay Kagawad Rustico Manalansan. The victims said these suspects promised them jobs and deployment in Africa.

The three identified suspects were former co-workers and friends of Rustico who allegedly induced him to recruit his town mates and relatives to work in Africa in exchange for his alleged free deployment and employment in the same country plus “commission”.

Munoz said, Rustico was able to recruit 22 among his friends and relatives in Barangay Balantacan and in Sitio Mansanitas, Sta. Cruz, Lubao. ”Siya ay pangdalawampu’s tatlo sa mga dapat sanang pupunta sa Africa,” Munoz said.

In their complaint affidavit, the victims disclosed that they paid the suspects a total amount of P353,000 for the processing and placement fees  and in exchange for sure employment in Africa as skilled construction workers.

“We were promised to receive each $700 up to $900 monthly salary. Kaya nahingan kami ng hindi bababa sa P35,000 kada isa dahil sa ang full payment ay hanggang P60,000,” the victims bared.

However, the victims lamented that they were surprised when they were given computer generated working visa in Qatar instead of Africa which they did not immediately find out as “fake” visa until such time that they have waited for several months and the suspects failed to arrange their deployment in Africa.

Munoz said this was the time the victims began to believe that they were victimized by illegal recruiters, hence, they sought the assistance of PACOC which the latter eventually coordinated with the NBI.

She added, the victims only want their money back and put the suspects in jail.

Munoz said the governor has instructed her office to work closely with other concerned line agencies of the government to assist the families and the Kapampangan OFWs who are seeking greener pasture abroad and help the law enforcers in giving justice to OFW victims of illegal recruitment through the enforcement of the full force of the law.