The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) operatives rescued 12 victims of human trafficking and arrested two suspects in an entrapment operation in Quezon City, on Monday, May 13.
Members of the District Women and Children Concern Section (DWCCS) together with the District Special Operation Unit (DSOU) arrested the owner and receptionist of a spa and its cashier attendant.
Based on the police report, operatives of DSOU received a report from the Quezon City Business Permit and Licensing Department (QC-BPLD) regarding the illegal activities of the said spa along Reylila Building 47, cor., Mercury St., and Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Police said the establishment was allegedly offering additional services to their customers aside from the massage therapy.
Authorities conducted an entrapment operation at around 10:20 p.m. on May 13, in coordination with the Social Services Development Department (SSDD), after confirming the illegal activities in the establishment.
A police officer posed as a customer and availed of a massage from a female therapist who also offered additional services, leading to their arrest.
Police withheld the names of the suspects who will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act amended by R.A. 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, police said.
The 12 female victims were brought to QC-SSDD for assistance, police added.
QCPD chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan reiterated that engaging in such illegal activities carries severe consequences.
“Ito ay magsisilbing babala sa mga taong gumagawa ng ganitong iligal na aktibidad dahil mabigat ang parusa ng batas dito, may pagkakakulong na mula 20 taon hanggang 40 taon at multa na hindi bababa sa isang milyong piso pag natunayang nagkasala (This will serve as a warning to those engaging in such illegal activities because the law imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment from 20 to 40 years and a fine of not less than one million pesos if found guilty),” he said.