At least 26 women were rescued in a raid at a bar in Barangay Poblacion, Malasiqui, Pangasinan suspected to be a hub of illicit activities by allegedly offering temporary pleasure to its patrons.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - Dagupan District Office also arrested two owners of the bar and three employees, including a waiter suspected of acting as a pimp for the women. 

"Pinapayagan ng may-ari na magkaroon ng sexual encounters ‘yung mga entertainers sa loob ng compound. Magbabayad ‘yung customer sa cashier bago sila pumunta sa kwarto. They will spend three hours doon sa kwarto," said the NBI agent who posed as a customer.

The agent was offered the services of a woman for a fee of P2,000 at the bar during the operation, which also revealed the existence of four rooms within the bar premises.

The women rescued were reportedly recruited from various provinces.

The five people arrested are facing charges for allegedly violating Republic Act 9208 or the Trafficking in Persons Act. They declined to provide statements during the arrest.

"Ito ay mabigat na kaso. ‘Yung prosecutor nag file ng information laban sa lima with no bail bond. Hindi sila makakapag-piyansa habang dinidinig ang kaso," the NBI agent said.

Authorities advised both the former patrons of the bar and the women rescued to seek medical consultation. 

The women allegedly lacked medical certificates upon entering the establishment. They were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).