SC affirms life sentence vs. man for trafficking minors

The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the life sentence meted to an individual for trafficking three minors to work as a helpers in various towns without pay.

In a 10-page decision, the SC Second Division found the individual guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified trafficking in persons and sentenced him to suffer the penalty of life imprisonment.

“AAA270934, BBB270934, and CCC270934 positively testified that the accused-appellant convinced them to work as onion peelers in a nearby town. He introduced the victims to DDD and accompanied them to the bus terminal,” the SC said.

The SC said that DDD then brought the victims to Marawi City.

“There, private complainants were deployed to work as domestic helpers without compensation. The three victims were all minors… as proven by their birth certificates. Accused-appellant took advantage of the victims’ vulnerability as minors and their eagerness to earn money,” it said.

According to the court, the individual approached two 14-year-old and one 15-year old in April 2014 and offered them work with a wage of P2,500.

Though the minors said they would ask their parents first, the individual said that the employer was already waiting and told them to board the bus.

The regional trial court and the Court of Appeals found the individual guilty, prompting him to file the present Petition before the SC.

In its ruling, however, the SC said it found that all elements of qualified trafficking are present.

The SC also ordered him to pay a fine of P2 million as well as moral damages amounting to P500,000 and exemplary damages amounting to P100,000 for each victim. — BM, GMA Integrated News