Overview: NBI arrests woman suspected of exploiting distressed OFWs
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a woman in Mandaluyong City who is accused of victimizing distressed Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking government assistance. The operation, conducted on October 10, led to the suspect’s identification as Mary Jocelyn V. Balubayan, who was taken into custody in an entrapment setup. Following the arrest, Balubayan faces charges of estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as well as ongoing investigations into her alleged accomplices.
The case highlights concerns about how vulnerable OFWs can be targeted as they pursue support from government programs designed to aid those in need. The NBI’s statement indicates that the suspect and a cohort, named Nialmo A. Lovina, may have been preying on distressed OFWs who were eligible to claim assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
How the alleged scheme worked
According to the NBI, Balubayan and Lovina engaged in ambulant chasing—an illicit practice of soliciting or pursuing potential beneficiaries near offices such as the DMW. The goal, as described by investigators, was to entice complainants into obtaining a certificate of indigency. These certificates, when issued by a local barangay (Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City, according to initial findings), were allegedly used to bolster claims for government aid or to facilitate illicit charges against recipients.
The NBI claimed that the two suspects demanded substantial sums in exchange for processing or securing these documents: about 1,000 pesos from beneficiaries seeking cash assistance from the DSWD (which typically amounts to 5,000 pesos) and 15 percent of a DMW assistance package reportedly worth 50,000 pesos. Such arrangements aimed to create a perception of legitimacy around otherwise falsified documents.
The role of the Barangay Certificates of Indigency
Central to the allegations are the Barangay Certificates of Indigency, which Balubayan and Lovina were said to issue. The certificates purportedly signified that the applicant lacked the means to support themselves—an important prerequisite for certain government aid programs. Investigators, however, concluded that these certificates were spurious, with the Quezon City barangay authorities confirming their falsity. This aspect of the case raises broader questions about how notaries of civil status and local offices interact with national welfare programs—and how such interactions can be manipulated by unscrupulous actors.
Charges and potential penalties
Balubayan has been charged before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office with estafa under Article 315 of the RPC, which covers deceit or fraudulent acts that result in damage to another party. If proven, the offense can carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the extent of harm and the amount involved. The case also spurs potential additional charges if validators or accomplices are identified or if further forged documents are discovered.
Officials stress the need for vigilance among OFWs and their families when dealing with individuals offering to assist with certificates or access to government aid. The DMW and DSWD emphasize that official processes must be followed and that legitimate government offices do not charge fees for the issuance of indigency certificates or for the procurement of cash assistance.
Impact on OFW communities and government safeguards
Cases like this underscore the vulnerability of distressed OFWs who rely on government programs for relief during emergencies or economic hardship. The NBI’s involvement indicates ongoing efforts to crack down on fraud within welfare schemes and to deter intermediaries who seek to exploit beneficiaries’ desperation. In response, government agencies may review procedures related to the processing of certificates of indigency and the oversight of ambulant solicitors near welfare offices.
For OFWs and their families, the incident serves as a reminder to verify any claims with official channels and to report suspicious activity promptly. The NBI’s continued vigilance aims to preserve the integrity of social protection programs and ensure that aid reaches genuine beneficiaries who meet established criteria.
What to watch for next
As the case proceeds through the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office, observers will be looking for evidence to establish the extent of Balubayan and Lovina’s alleged scheme, the number of victims involved, and the exact sums exchanged. The outcome could influence policy discussions around indigency verification, community-level fraud prevention, and enforcement policies for ambulant solicitors linked to government assistance programs.
