DoJ orders investigation of recruitment agency

JUSTICE SECRETARY Vitaliano N. Aguirre II issued an order on Monday, Feb. 26, directing the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an “investigation and case buildup (on) the possible liabilities of” Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Global E-Human Resources, Inc.

The recruitment agency has been in the spotlight following the reported circumstances of overseas Filipino worker Joanna D. Demafelis, who had been reported missing for a year until her body was found in a freezer. Ms. Demafelis’ employer, Nader Essam Assaf, was reported over the weekend as having been apprehended in Lebanon.

Ms. Demafelis’s remains arrived in Manila on Feb. 16 and President Rodrigo R. Duterte visited her wake last Thursday.

Mr. Aguirre’s Department Order No. 2 also directs the NBI “to file appropriate charges” against the agency “if evidence so warrants.” The order also directed NBI Director Dante A. Gierran to submit a report to Mr. Aguirre.