CAPIZ – The owner and cashier of a KTV bar in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Pontevedra have been formally charged for violation of Republic Act 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022) following a joint entrapment and rescue operation on July 22.
The suspects were identified as aliases “Ruby,” 32, a resident of Bantayan, Cebu, and “Dong,” 21, a resident of Panit-an, Capiz.
According to Police Captain Merry Chris Dela Cruz, spokesperson for the Capiz Police Provincial Office, the operation was carried out after the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Bantayan, Cebu, reported that several women were being recruited from the town and transported to Pontevedra to work as entertainers at the establishment.
Barangay Captain Dominador Burata of Poblacion Ilawod said in an interview that women working at the bar were commonly seen serving customers, but none were observed being taken out at night. He noted, however, that the women frequently rotated, with some returning to Cebu before being brought back to Pontevedra.
“The minor rescued during the operation had never been seen in the area before, which suggests she may have just recently arrived,” Burata added.
As of this writing, seven rescued individuals, including a minor, have been brought to a local crisis center, to undergo psychological assessment, evaluation, and interviews.
Meanwhile, the suspects were detained at the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station, pending legal proceedings for their alleged involvement in human trafficking./PN
