The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 2 suspects involved in online prostitution in Tugegarao City, Cagayan where 5 victims, 3 of which are minors, were rescued.

On July 9, the NBI-Cagayan Valley Regional Office (CAVRO) and NBI-LALDO operatives, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 2 and Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force (RATTF), organized an entrapment in a lodge in Tugegarao City targeting an alleged online prostitution activity that offers sexual services of minors through social media platforms.

NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago reported that based on information gathered by NBI-LALDO, the suspects offer Php3,500.00 as service fee for each of their wards or “talents”.

The rescued minors were then brought into the custody and care of the DSWD R2 for proper intervention.

On July 25, City Prosecutor's Office recommended the filing of two separate cases againts the arrested individuals. They will be charged with trafficking complaints in line with the Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Director Santiago praised the NBI-CAVRO operatives for their successful arrest of the subjects and affirmed that the NBI remains committed to its fight against human trafficking.