NBI rescues 15 victims of human trafficking in Manila raid

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday rescued 15 women who were made to offer "extra service" as masseurs in Manila.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras,” the persons behind the operation could face charges for human trafficking.  The suspects are still being hunted down.

“Matagal na itong ginagawa, itong facilitator na ito, at dahil dito ay kakasuhan namin siya ng violation ng anti-human trafficking in relation doon sa cyber prevention act dahil nga ‘yung pag o-offer nila ay ginagawa nila through Facebook or other social media platforms,” she said.

(They have been doing this for a long time. We will charge them with violations of the anti-human trafficking in relation to the cybercrime prevention act because they offer their services through social media platforms.)

According to the report, some of the women worked as massage providers and gave door-to-door service in a hotel in the city.

“Wala silang mine-maintain na spa clinic, pero mine-maintain nila ‘yung mga babae sa isang lugar at doon mayroong receptionist na siya ang tumatanggap ng mga pera o bayad doon sa mga babae na nai-book sa social media platform,” Atty. Janet Francisco, NBI anti-human trafficking division chief, said.

(They’re not maintaining a spa clinic, but they hold the women in one place. They have a receptionist who accepts the money from the women.)

“The only thing you have to do is to prepare the hotel or place where the massage will take place and that’s it. Dadalin na doon ‘yung masahista o ‘yung victim at hatid-sundo ito ng inupahan nila na driver,” she added.

(The only thing you have to do is to prepare the hotel or place where the massage will take place and that’s it. The masseur or the victim will be brought there and they will be picked up by their driver.)—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News