52 victims of illegal sex trade rescued in Pampanga

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – Authorities have rescued 52 women who were victims of human trafficking and alleged illegal sex trade during a joint operation Thursday (Feb. 11).
 
The operation was done inside a KTV Bar in Mabalacat, Pampanga where five suspects were also arrested.
 
Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director PBGen. Valeriano De Leon identified the arrested suspects as Lauren Sta. Iglesia of Malabanias, Angeles City; Hazzel Sanchez of Sapang Biabas in Mabalacat; Alysa Bautista of Brgy. Margot in Angeles City; Meli Nago of Binangonan, Rizal and Prince Cedrick Galang of Brgy. Bantog Tarlac City.
 
Seized from the operation were P1,000 peso bill dusted money, a unit of money counting machine; cash amounting to P20,520 pesos, one set desktop computer and two logbooks.
 
Charges for violation of RA 10364 (Expanded Anti- Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012) are being prepared against the suspects.
 
The raid was conducted by operatives of Special Concern Unit, Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Group and Mabalacat City Police Station in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 3.