17 women rescued from spa offering ‘extra service’

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has rescued 17 women, including three minors, from a prostitution den allegedly operating under the guise of a spa in Makati City.

Agents also arrested a front desk officer and a room attendant in Quija Spa, also known as Native Palm Spa, at an entrapment operation on May 22, NBI officials told reporters Friday.

Edril delos Santos de Vera and Jenny Libradilla Coral, the arrested persons, were presented to the media but refused to give a statement.

Janet Francisco, the NBI's anti-human trafficking division chief, said the duo face a complaint for violation of the anti-human trafficking law and of the anti-child abuse law.

She said the operation stemmed from intelligence information alleging Quija Spa maintains women for sexual exploitation. Agents posing as customers confirmed that the business offers "extra service" -- or sexual favors -- for a fee of P3,000, she said.

Boxes of condoms were seized from the establishment's reception table, the NBI said.

Francisco said the business has been operating for a long time and has developed a reputation for offering sexual services. —LDF, GMA News