By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY—Thirty-three women who are allegedly victims of human trafficking were rescued at the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province.
Police Captain Jose Mark Gesulga, Malay police chief, said the inter-agency rescue was made after six alleged pimps were arrested: Richard Sauza, Kevin Martin Rivera, Mark Vincent Faulan, Fernando Fajardo, Rebecca Cainglet, and Karen Belonio. They were caught selling the services of women at a karaoke bar in Manocmanoc village by an undercover cop who posed as a customer.
After the arrest, the six were charged with violating Republic Act No. 10364 or the Anti-Human Trafficking Law.
The anti-prostitution operation at the country’s popular beach destination was implemented by officers from Malay Police Station, 2nd Aklan Provincial Mobile Force Company, 605th Maritime Police Station, and the Aklan Port Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.
The Malay Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office is arranging the return of the rescued women to their hometowns. Some came from Metro Manila, Mindoro, and Negros Island.