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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Girl, 14, rescued from human trafficking syndicate in Manila entrapment ops

Girl, 14, rescued from human trafficking syndicate in Manila entrapment ops

Published Jun 24, 2025 07:09 am

At A Glance

  • The operation was conducted by the Women and Children Concern Section (WCCS) of the District Investigation and Detective Management Division (DIDMD) under the Manila Police District (MPD), in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office and Meisic Police Station (PS-11).
Courtesy of the Manila Police District
Courtesy of the Manila Police District
A 14-year-old girl was successfully rescued in a police-led entrapment and rescue operation from a suspected case of human trafficking at a hotel in Binondo, Manila, the Manila Police District reported on Tuesday, June 24.
The operation was conducted by the Women and Children Concern Section (WCCS) of the District Investigation and Detective Management Division (DIDMD) under the Manila Police District (MPD), in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office and Meisic Police Station (PS-11).
The 14-year-old female victim from Caloocan City, was accompanied by her mother, when they first approached WCCS on June 13 to report that the child had allegedly been prostituted by the suspect identified as Mary Grace Rivera Santos, 18, in exchange for money.
According to police, Santos had been exploiting the victim by arranging bookings with paying clients, including a Chinese national.
Following the initial report, the victim was brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for medical and psychological examinations and later placed in the protective custody of MSWD.
On June 19, Santos allegedly contacted the victim again to inform her of an upcoming booking the next day, prompting WCCS to prepare for an entrapment operation. 
Her messages indicated that the client, identified as Wenlang Xu, 42, a Chinese national residing in Binondo, had requested two girls.
To safeguard the victim, WCCS posed as a second minor.
The police operation was set into motion on June 20 at around 5:30 p.m.
With coordination from the building administration of Le Chambre Hotel in Binondo, law enforcement executed the rescue and arrest at Room 6006 at approximately 7:30 p. m. 
Santos and the Chinese national were arrested at the scene.
Authorities seized mobile phones used to arrange the illicit transaction.
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in a language they understood and were later brought to Gat Andres Hospital for medical examination.
Charges for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act are being prepared against the suspects, who are currently in police custody.




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