The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested five individuals in Alaminos City, Pangasinan on December 12, for their alleged involvement in the sexual exploitation of women.
Operatives from the NBI-Alaminos District Office (NBI-ALDO) carried out an entrapment operation based on information provided by a non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to rescuing women and children from human trafficking.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago disclosed that a videoke bar was reportedly engaged in the prostitution of women, including minors.
With this, authories conducted a series of surveillance operations and confirmed the the accuracy of the report revealing that the establishment is indeed offering women, including minors for sexual services in exchange for a fee.
The entrapment operation resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the rescue of ten individuals who were allegedly trafficked.
Moreover, seven of the ten rescued individuals were found to be minors, as confirmed by the Dental Aging Examination conducted on them.
Following their rescue, the victims were brought to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in Lingayen for necessary counseling and social assistance.
Charges for violating R.A. No. 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, will be filed against the arrested individuals.
