2 teens nabbed in Biñan, Laguna for pimping minors online

Two teenagers who were suspected of pimping minors online were arrested in an entrapment operation in Biñan, Laguna.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s 24 Oras report Monday, the National Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTD) nabbed the suspects aged 18 and 19, in a resort on Friday.

Around seven women, six of whom were minors, were rescued.

“May ilang kabataang kababaihan na inaalok sa panandaliang aliw sa Biñan and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 'Yung mga klase ng serbisyo na inaalok nila, maaaring gawin ang gustong ipagawa sa kanila ng magiging kliyente,” said NBI-HTRAD chief Olga Angustia.

(Some minors were allegedly being offered to provide sexual services in Biñan and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Their service includes the victims providing whatever their client requests.)

The NBI said the information on the suspected illegal trafficking activities came from a non-government organization.

“Ang span ng age nila nasa 15 to 18. 'Yung dalawa naging subject natin or bugaw ay galing lang sa pagiging isang menor de edad 18 to 19, ‘yung isa sa kanila buntis pa ng apat na buwan. Ang nakakatakot is pa-bata nang pa-bata ang profile ng nagbubugaw ng kapwa kabataan,” said Angustia.

(The victims were around 15 to 18. The two suspects were 18 and 19 years old. One of them was even four months pregnant. It’s concerning that the victims are getting younger and younger.)

“Maging mapili tayo sa ating mga sasamahang tao.  Hindi lahat ng nag-aalok ng trabaho makakabuti, kung minsan ito pa ang ikapapahamak natin,” she added.

(Let us be cautious of who we are associating with. Not everyone who offers us jobsare entirely good and could lead to harm.)

The suspects are currently detained at the Bureau of Corrections after undergoing inquest proceedings. They will be facing human trafficking charges, and violation of Republic Act No. 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act.

Meanwhile, the rescued victims are under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

GMA Integrated News reached out to the suspects for comment.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News