Cagayan, Philippines – Authorities in Cagayan arrested two individuals accused of running a large-scale illegal recruitment scheme that preyed on Filipinos hoping to work in Poland. The arrests took place on June 25, 2026, marking a significant move against a syndicate that allegedly bilked applicants out of hundreds of thousands of pesos each.
According to a statement from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the suspects were identified as Ma. Theresa Sibayan Constantino, who used the alias “Rizza Sibayan,” and “Prodencio Pascua”. Officers from the PNP–Lal-lo Municipal Police Station and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) carried out the operation after the Regional Trial Court, Branch 6, in Aparri, Cagayan issued a warrant for their arrest.
How the Scheme Worked
Investigators from the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau found that the suspects dangled attractive job offers to lure their targets. The alleged pitch included:
- Positions as factory workers or repackers in Poland
- A promised monthly salary of ₱120,000
- A required processing fee of ₱250,000 per applicant
To make the operation look legitimate, Pascua reportedly posed as a former overseas Filipino worker in Brunei who claimed Rizza had helped him land a job abroad. He also allegedly pretended to be a fellow applicant heading to Poland, a move designed to win the trust of job seekers.
Two Accomplices Still on the Run
The investigation also pointed to two more individuals believed to be part of the group. Both remain at large as authorities continue their pursuit.
- Michelle Antonio Sibayan — Rizza’s sister, who allegedly worked as a recruitment agent
- Margie Cortez Tuglao — said to have ties with employers in Europe and to have assisted in processing applicants’ departures
Victims told investigators that Rizza and Pascua instructed them to deposit their payments into Tuglao’s bank account as part of the supposed deployment process. This detail helped authorities trace the flow of money and connect the accomplices to the scheme.
Call for More Victims to Come Forward
The DMW–Migrant Workers Protection Bureau is urging anyone else who may have fallen victim to Pascua, Tuglao, or the Sibayan siblings to step forward. Reaching out could help build a stronger case and protect future applicants.
Affected individuals can file a complaint and receive free legal assistance by contacting the DMW through its official page. Reporting these schemes remains one of the most effective ways to shut them down for good.