Joint operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Naval Intelligence Security Group on Thursday rescued a total of 68 people who were duped into working abroad following separate raids in two safehouses of a suspected illegal recruitment syndicate in Imus, Cavite.

Sources from the NBI said the victims – 65 females and 3 males – came from several areas in Mindanao. The women were reportedly promised jobs as domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia while the men were told they would be employed as family drivers.

The victims were rescued from the group’s two safehouses, one at Sampaguita St., Tree Lane 2 Subdivision and another at Malbarosa corner Dama de Noche St., Abad Homes Subdivision, both in Bayan Luma 3 in Imus.

The illegal recruitment syndicate is said to be led by Egyptian Sharif Mustafa Mobashier, the alleged financier of illegal recruitment agencies Saviour Med International Placement Agency and MR International Manpower Services.

Both agencies are not listed with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

The operation stemmed from complaints filed before the PAOCC and was done in coordination with local barangay officials and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

All 68 victims were taken to the NBI headquarters as charges are being readied against the illegal recruiters.