41 trafficking victims rescued from hotel and villa in…

41 trafficking victims rescued from hotel and villa in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu — 10 minors, 5 arrested

📌 On Saturday, October 10, the NBI Cebu Office carried out simultaneous raids in Punta Engaño and Pajac, both in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu, rescuing 41 women (including 10 minors) who appear to have been forced into sex work and arresting 5 suspects. Investigators posing as customers caught the group that was "offering" women through online pages.

■ Background of the case
· The NBI began its investigation after receiving a tip that women were being offered to customers through online pages. Investigators posed as customers and made deals with the suspects.
· Two teams moved at the same time. At a hotel in Punta Engaño, they rescued 15 women (9 minors) and arrested 1 person.
· At a private villa in Pajac, they rescued 26 women (1 minor) and arrested 4 people.
· The operation was carried out together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office VII (DSWD-7) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Region VII (IACAT-7).

■ Investigation and current status
· Complaints for aggravated trafficking under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act have been filed against the 5 arrested suspects with the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor's Office.
· The 41 rescued women are under the protection of DSWD-7, which is providing medical and psychological support.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Offers to "introduce" women through social media or online pages may be linked to trafficking groups, and investigators sometimes conduct raids by posing as customers.
· If you see someone who appears to be a minor being used for sex work at your accommodation, notify the staff or the police.

■ Sources
Inquirer (10/15), SunStar (10/14)

■ Photos
· Rescued women with their faces covered by towels at the raid site — Inquirer