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By Rolynda Jonathan
Two illegal recruitment agencies have been shut down in the Philippines including a company that allegedly advertised job openings for farm workers in Palau. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) shut down Firststep Consultancy and Career Development in Quezon City and LJP Travel Assistance Agency in Manila. POEA officials disguised as job applicants as part of their investigation into both agencies, alleged that Firststep Consultancy was recruiting cooks for New Zealand and Australia, electricians for Canada and landscapers for the U.S. The company also required its applicants to pay a number of fees including a $250-dollar payment for training and interview. LPJ Travel Assistance on the other hand advertised job openings for farmers in Palau. The agency allegedly required its applicants to pay 6, 500 pesos or $150 US dollars to cover expenses for the release of entry permit to Palau. POEA did not indicate how many applicants have been processed through these agencies, but says both agencies are included in the list of persons and establishments with derogatory record. They are also disqualified in participating in any overseas recruitment program in the future.