Creating A Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment Under The Commission On Filipinos Overseas

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 548

CREATING A TASK FORCE AGAINST ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT UNDER THE COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

WHEREAS, the Presidential Anti-Illegal Recruitment Task Force, created pursuant to Executive Order No. (“EO”) 325 (s. 2004) and tasked, among others, to develop and execute strategies and schemes against the modus operandi of illegal recruiters, was automatically dissolved after a year of its effectivity;

WHEREAS, persistent reports indicate that illegal recruitment, a crime of economic sabotage, remains unabated;

WHEREAS, there is a need to create a new task force against illegal recruitment in order to have a more focused, concerted, coordinated and effective programs of action to stop and eliminate illegal recruitment;

WHEREAS, the Administrative Code of 1997 provides that the President has the continuing authority to reorganize the Office of the President and to transfer functions from one department or agency to another;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby...

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Summary of Executive Order No. 548

Creation of Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment (TFAIR)
- TFAIR is created under the supervision of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas for policy and program coordination. (Section 1)
- Functions of TFAIR:
    - Develop and execute strategies against illegal recruiters' modus operandi, such as "escort" services at airports and other departure points. (Section 1a)
    - Develop and execute strategies against syndicates responsible for tampering and sale of spurious passports and travel documents. (Section 1b)
    - Ensure the prosecution of illegal recruiters, syndicates, and protectors. (Section 1c)

Composition of TFAIR
- Chaired by the Chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. (Section 2)
- Members from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and other relevant government agencies, as determined by the Chairman. (Section 2)

Office Location
- Manila International Airport Authority shall provide office space at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the principal office of TFAIR. (Section 3)

Powers and Responsibilities of TFAIR
- Conduct surveillance and entrapment operations against alleged illegal recruiters, including "escort" services at airports and other departure points. (Section 4a)
- Cause or direct immediate investigation and speedy prosecution of illegal recruitment cases, and monitor progress. (Section 4b)
- Coordinate with existing bodies, agencies, and instrumentalities involved in the anti-illegal recruitment campaign. (Section 4c)
- Perform other necessary powers and functions as directed by the President. (Section 4d)

Assistance and Cooperation
- Various government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila International Airport Authority, National Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Chief State Prosecutor, Philippine National Police, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Bureau of Immigration, are directed to actively support the anti-illegal recruitment campaign and coordinate with TFAIR. (Section 5)
- The Chairman may call upon heads of government agencies for assistance as necessary. (Section 5)

Funding
- Funds for TFAIR operations shall be sourced from available funds identified by the Department of Budget and Management. (Section 6)

Repeal and Effectivity
- Inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, and issuances are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. (Section 7)
- The Executive Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force for one year. (Section 8)