15 sex workers rescued from Naga City prostitution ring

A sting operation in Naga City in Camarines Sur led to the rescue of 15 women from a prostitution ring over the weekend.

The Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said the entrapment occurred in some hotels in Naga City, GMA Bicol's Kaye Botastas reported.

Three suspected pimps were arrested during the operation.

"Simula pa lang ng recruitment, transportation and kung saan nila hinarbor, considered na yun na part ng human trafficking," said Camarines Sur CIDG provincial head Chief Inspector Errol Garchitorena Jr.

But some of the rescued women said they knew what they were getting into, adding they did so for financial reasons. The CIDG noted more women are being lured into the sex trade.

In the meantime, the rescued women are to undergo counseling while charges are readied against the three suspected pimps.

"Mahaba po ang imposable penalty nito. Puwede pong mag-range ng 20 years to 40 years ang imprisonment dito," said city prosecutor Salvador Reyes III. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News