56 women, including 14 minors, rescued from trafficking in Bacolor, Pampanga

Fifty-six women, including 14 minors, were rescued from trafficking during an entrapment operation in Bacolor, Pampanga.

According to Rida Reyes' report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Saturday, the raid occurred after the Luzon Field Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center received information on the prostitution acts occurring along the line of bars in the area that even the residents themselves confirmed.

According to the officials, the women would be lined up for the customers of the bars to choose from before they would be brought to the nearby lodge.

Out of 56 rescued women, 14 were minors ranging from the age of 15 to 17 years old.

The alleged pimp of the area was also arrested but the 28-year old woman claimed that she was also a victim of trafficking.

Currently, she is facing complaints for child abuse and violation of the Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

Police officials are still investigating who is behind the trafficking operations in the bars in Bacolor.

The victims have been placed in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and will undergo psychosocial intervention.

The PNP will also recommend to the Department of Labor and Employment the closure of the establishments the officials raided. —Kaela Malig/KG, GMA News