Minors sold like merchandise in bars in Angeles City

Five minors who were allegedly being sold like merchandise to foreigners were rescued by the authorities in Angeles City. 

According to John Consulta’s report on "24 Oras," the suspect who allegedly pimped the minors was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation - Counter Intelligence Division in a resort in Angeles City. 

The suspect is said to be going around various bars in Angeles to offer sexual services to foreigners involving minors, aged 15 and 17 years old. 

“Hindi po siya nage-engage pag hindi foreigner yung parokyano. Nago-offer po siya ng sexual services mula sa mga minor na kaniyang mga alaga. Meron na po silang mga resort at mga motel na sadyang pinagdadalhan ng mga biktima at hinahatid nila ito door-to-door,” said NBI-CID chief Heli Tiu. 

(He does not engage if the client is not a foreigner. He offers sexual services from minors. They already have identified resorts and motels where they bring their victims and deliver them door-to-door.)

NBI said the suspect has been operating in Pampanga for two years and uses social media to communicate with customers.

“Significant ang trabahong ito dahil ang direktiba ng aming direktor na si NBI Director Santiago at latest pronouncement ng pangulo na iintensify natin ang operation laban sa child exploitation. Qualified human trafficking at child trafficking na walang piyansa at may parusang habang buhay na kulong,” said Tiu.

(This work is significant because of NBI Director Santiago's directive and the president's latest pronouncement to intensify our operations against child exploitation. Qualified human trafficking and child trafficking without bail and punishable by life imprisonment.)  

GMA Integrated News is still trying to get a statement from the suspect who is now in the detention facility.

The victims have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development - Angeles, Pampanga.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News