By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday disclosed alleged structural modifications inside a Pasig City entertainment complex linked to former congressman Mike Defensor, claiming the alterations were deliberately designed to facilitate human trafficking operations.
During a press briefing, NBI Director Melvin Matibag presented building plans and investigative findings involving the Chicago KTV Bar and Bleu Hotel, asserting that portions of the establishment’s layout were altered from the original approved design.
According to the NBI, investigators discovered discrepancies between the building plans submitted to the Pasig City Engineer’s Office and the actual structure of Cliffpoint Square, the commercial complex housing the establishments.
Matibag said the modifications allegedly included concealed passageways connecting the KTV bar to the hotel, allowing women to move discreetly between the two businesses. Investigators also reported the existence of what they described as fake fire exits that allegedly served as access routes for customers entering hotel rooms.
The bureau further claimed that separate vehicle exit points were constructed to allow discreet movement within the premises.
“What’s the bottom line? They changed the design so that the Chicago and Bleu Hotel could perpetrate what they were doing—human trafficking,” Matibag told reporters.
The NBI chief alleged that the changes were intentional and constituted violations of the National Building Code because they were allegedly made without proper authorization or notification to authorities.
Based on the bureau’s findings, Matibag said the NBI is preparing to file human trafficking complaints against former congressman Mike Defensor before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office.
The bureau also intends to include other officials connected to the establishments, including another child of Defensor, who reportedly served as corporate secretary.
Earlier, complaints had already been filed against Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose Defensor, and their son, Miguel Gabriel Defensor, whose names appeared in corporate records associated with the businesses.
The case stems from an NBI operation conducted on April 21, during which agents raided the establishments and rescued 54 women believed to be victims of human trafficking.
Defensor has previously denied the allegations against him and his family.
The NBI said its investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors evaluate the evidence gathered during the operation and determine the appropriate charges to be filed against those implicated in the case.
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