May 15, 2012

        The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven (7) operators and managers of an entertainment club that fronts as prostitution den and rescued 60 women, 19 of whom were minors during a raid along Roxas Blvd., in Paranaque City the other week.

       In a report submitted to NBI Officer-In-Charge Atty. Nonnatus Caesar R. Rojas by the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTRAD) chief Atty. Dante B. Bonoan, the suspects are all floor managers of AREA 51 KTV Entertainment Club along Roxas Blvd., Parañaque City.

   On May 3, 2012, NBI received an information from the International Justice Mission (IJM), a non-government organization accredited by the IACAT that the said entertainment club is engaged in the trafficking of minors. They were made to work as nude dancers and Guest Relation Officers (GRO) who provide sex services to the club's customers.

      In the evening of the same date upon receipt of the complaint, AHTRAD conducted surveillance. It confirmed the presence of GROs who appeared to be minors who not only dance in full nudity but were also offered to the customers and can be taken to the club's VIP rooms, and render sex services for a fee.

        After confirming the illegal and exploitative acts by the management against the victims, a rescue operation was planned. On May 5, 2012, at 10:00 pm, an NBI operative, posed as customer while other NBI agents were posted nearby. A few drinks later, a floor manager approached and offered two women for a sex service for P3,000.

      Moments after, the team, together with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and IJM raided the club and rescued the victims. A total of 60 women were rescued and 19 of them were confirmed minors who were turned over to DSWD. Suspects were brought to the NBI.

     Charges for violation of RA 9208 and RA 7610 were filed against the victims before the Department of Justice.