6/30/2021
E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly
POEA Certificates. During the entrapment operation, Yambao confirmed that after
Peroche paid appellant the marked money, the police officers arrested appellant.[12]
PO2 Llacuna and SPO3 Papelleras conducted the entrapment operation against
appellant. PO2 Llacuna stated that on 12 May 2009, two (2) pieces of P100.00 bills
containing ultraviolet fluorescent powder (marked money) were given to the
complainants. The police officers proceeded to Jollibee, Taft Avenue corner Pedro Gil
Street, Manila (Jollibee Pedro Gil) for the operation. He was assigned as the perimeter
backup and was in uniform while three (3) police officers wearing civilian clothes were
inside Jollibee Pedro Gil. When SPO3 Papelleras gave the pre-arranged signal, he went
inside Jollibee Pedro Gil and assisted in the arrest of appellant. Appellant was brought
to the crime laboratory where her hands yielded positive results for the presence of
ultraviolet fluorescent powder, the same substance used on the marked money.[13]
SPO3 Papelleras confirmed that an entrapment operation was conducted in Jollibee
Pedro Gil. Donning civilian clothes, he observed Tucay, Peroche, and Yambao talking to
appellant inside the fast food chain. When Peroche handed the marked money to
appellant, he arrested her.[14]
Finally, the parties stipulated on the testimonies of POEA Rep. Dumigpi and SPO4
Alvaira. As regards POEA Rep. Dumigpi: (a) she was the duly authorized representative
of the POEA; and (b) she brought a POEA Certification stating that appellant is neither
licensed nor authorized to recruit workers for overseas employment.[15] Meanwhile,
with regard to SPO4 Alvaira: (a) he was the investigator of the case; (b) he was part of
the entrapment operation but was not inside Jollibee Pedro Gil when it transpired; (c)
he prepared the marked money; (d) he took and prepared the individual Sinumpaang
Salaysay[16] of the complainants prior to the entrapment operation; (e) he took and
prepared the Pinagsamang Sinumpaang Salaysay[17] of the complainants; (f) he
prepared the booking sheet; and (g) he referred appellant for laboratory examination
and thereafter, endorsed the latter for inquest proceedings.[18]
Version of the Defense
The defense presented appellant as the sole witness who interposed the defense of
denial and claimed that she, too, was seeking employment abroad.
Appellant narrated that she met Ramirez at Angelicum Clinic when they were both
undergoing medical examination for overseas employment. Thereafter, Ramirez
introduced her to Tucay. Tucay and Ramirez had planned to transfer to her agency but
this plan did not push through when she was accosted by the PNP-CIDG.
On the day of the entrapment operation, appellant claimed that she met Tucay and
Yambao at Jollibee Pedro Gil. While they were eating, Tucay suddenly shouted, "Hulihin
niyo na yan" and the police officers appeared to apprehend her. Appellant was shocked
that the complainants identified her as an illegal recruiter. On the way to the police
station, a female police officer held her hands, comforting her. Thereafter, she was
brought to the crime laboratory for examination. Appellant claimed that she was
framed, surmising that the female police officer she met earlier had clandestinely
placed ultraviolet fluorescent powder on her hands.
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/66642
4/13