Alleged trafficker offering minors for up to P10K for prostitution nabbed

An individual who was offering women, mostly minors, for prostitution for up to P10,000 has been arrested, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced Friday.

Agents of the NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) arrested alias Patricia during an entrapment operation in Manila on July 3. 

Patricia was arrested for violation of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), the Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. 

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the operation stemmed from information from non-government organization Destiny Rescue Pilipinas Inc.

The NGO tipped the NBI that Patricia maintains a network of girls who were sold via social media for P5,000 to P10,000 each. The victims were found to be staying in a condominium rented by the suspect.

Santiago said that the OTCD communicated with Patricia through social media and their phone number, confirming their involvement.

An undercover NBI agent later personally witnessed Patricia offering women through a surveillance operation. The undercover agent also contacted Patricia for several women for a party.

Patricia agreed and later delivered five women to a condominium unit in Manila. Upon handing over the marked money, the NBI operatives apprehended Patricia.

Following this, the five victims, four of whom were minors, were rescued.

Patricia was presented for inquest proceedings. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK, GMA Integrated News