In a coordinated effort led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and local authorities, 10 women were rescued from a bar in Alaminos City, Pangasinan in what was alleged to be a case of human trafficking.

Seven of the 10 women were minors, as confirmed by dental aging examination.

Upon entering the establishment, authorities discovered several women and customers, one of whom was holding a child.

"My team also had a surveillance and positive din po. So, dun kami nag-base na gumawa ng operation," Atty. Fabienne Matib, Agent-in-Charge of NBI-Alaminos District Office, said.

The bar was allegedly involved in human trafficking, employing women as Guest Relations Officers (GROs) who provided sexual services for prices ranging from P1,500 to P1,700.

"May from Bulacan, Cavite, Manila. Meron din from Lingayen, Pangasinan po," Matib said.

Those rescued were brought to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) office in Lingayen for counseling and social protection.

Regarding the reason behind such exploitation, Matib said, "Usually po, economic... pangangailangan po financially."

Five individuals were arrested, including the bar owner, three cashiers, and a waiter.

The accused claimed they were unaware that there were minors at the bar because the documents presented reportedly indicated they were of legal age.

"Ang defense po nila ay hindi naman daw nila alam na menor de edad ang mga ito kasi they presented documents na of age na po sila," Matib said.

As of this writing, those arrested are detained at the NBI while awaiting court proceedings.