There is therefore no discernible reason to disturb the findings of the trial court, which is in the best position to assess the witnesses' credibility and to appreciate complainants' candor and truthfulness.[8] Accused-appellant recruited at least three (3) persons, giving them the impression that he had the authority to deploy people abroad. As such, his crime of economic sabotage can be categorized as illegal recruitment in large scale punishable by life imprisonment and a fine ofP100,000.00, now increased to a minimum of P500,000.00 by virtue of Rep. Act No. 8042, also known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995." [9] WHEREFORE, the appealed decision finding accused-appellant ALEX BAYTIC guilty of illegal recruitment in large scale, sentencing him to life imprisonment and to pay a fine of P500,000.00 as well as reimburse complainants Ofelia Bongbonga, Millie Passi, and Nolie Bongbonga the amounts of P3,500.00, P4,000.00 and P4,000.00, respectively, is AFFIRMED. Costs against accused-appellant. SO ORDERED. Mendoza, Quisumbing, Austria-Martinez and Callejo, Sr., JJ., concur. [1] Decision penned by Judge Estrella T. Estrada, RTC-Br. 82, Quezon City. [2] The elements of illegal recruitment in large scale are: 1) that the offender undertakes any recruitment activity defined under Article 13(b) or any prohibited practice enumerated under Article 34 of the Labor Code; 2) that the offender does not have a license or authority to lawfully engage in the recruitment and placement of workers; and 3) that the offender commits the same against three or more persons, individually or as a group. [3] Rollo, p. 145. [4] People v. De La Piedra, G.R. No. 121777, 24 January 2001, 350 SCRA 163. [5] Original Records, p. 102. [6] People v. Librero, G.R. No. 132311, 28 September 2000, 341 SCRA 229. [7] People v. Icalla, G.R. No. 136173, 7 March 2001, 353 SCRA 805. [8] People v. Minanga, G.R. No. 130670, 31 May 2000, 332 SCRA 558. [9] Complete Title - An Act to Institute the Policies of Overseas Employment and Establish a Higher Standard of Protection and Promotion of the Welfare of Migrant Workers, their Families and Overseas Filipinos in Distress, and for other purposes.