16 rescued from sex trade in Cebu City

At least 16 people, 15 of them women, were rescued in a police operation along Juana Osmeña Street in Cebu City Tuesday night.

The Cebu City Police Office said the operation stemmed from a tip that some minors were being used by a ring engaged in the sex trade, GMA Cebu's Vic Serna reported.

However, there was no minor among the 16 who were rescued Tuesday night, the report said.

On the other hand, police said there have been complaints against the "sex workers" that they may have stolen some customers' valuables.

"Sa natanggap namin na report nawalan sila ng mga jewelry at pera," said Inspector Arieza Otida, head of the Cebu City police's women and children protection

The 16 have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and will undergo counseling. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News