MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has dismantled an alleged human trafficking operation in Parañaque City, leading to the arrest of seven individuals and the rescue of 12 victims, among them minors and an infant.
The NBI-Homicide Division conducted the series of rescue and entrapment operations on May 7 after receiving information from a non-government organization regarding the reported sexual exploitation of minors disguised as spa and wellness services.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly recruited victims and offered them to customers under the pretense of massage therapy services, including so-called “nuru” and “lingam” massages that reportedly involved sexual acts for money.
Agents carried out surveillance operations and communicated with the suspects online before identifying “Rainbow Spa” as one of the locations being used for the illegal activities.
During the operation, undercover personnel were allegedly offered female “therapists” and brought to a nearby apartelle. The arrests were made after authorities completed the payment transaction using marked money.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of two men accused of transporting minor victims to clients.
Authorities later discovered that several victims and suspects were staying in a house inside Fortunata Village, Parañaque. Investigators further learned that two minors were still being sent to separate areas to meet customers at the time of the operation.
The NBI said subsequent investigations identified a couple residing in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City as the alleged operators of the trafficking group. Both were later arrested in a follow-up operation.
In a separate rescue effort in Pasay City, agents recovered a minor victim from a motel and arrested her male customer. Another female victim was also rescued during verification activities at the Fortunata Village residence.
The arrested suspects are now facing complaints for violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 and other related laws.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag lauded the operatives for the successful operation and reiterated the bureau’s commitment to protecting minors from trafficking and sexual abuse.
He likewise called on the public to stay alert and report suspected trafficking and exploitation activities involving children.
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