A suspected pimp arrested in Toledo City, Cebu province. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – Two girls were rescued and three alleged pimps were arrested in Toledo City, Cebu province on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Operatives of the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Toledo City Police Station and personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development Office and Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas first swooped down on a KTV bar in Barangay Poblacion around 7 p.m.
During the first raid, a 26-year-old female pimp was arrested while a 15-year-old girl was rescued.
Prior to the arrest, an undercover agent went to the bar for surveillance. The undercover agent was approached by the alleged pimp and offered her the minor.
The pimp allegedly charged P2,000 if the undercover would take the minor out.
Police coordinated with social workers before the raid was made.
About three hours after the first raid, police went to a motel in Barangay Luray II where two live-in partners were arrested for offering a 17-year-old to a customer for sex in exchange for cash.
Police said the two suspects charged P2,000 for each of the girls.
The rescued minors were turned over to the CSWDO to undergo needed interventions.
Police Lt. Col. Wilfredo Alarcon Jr., chief of Toledo police, said the twin operations were part of the proactive measures that Mayor Joie Perales ordered against human trafficking activities in the city.
“These proactive measures of Toledo City Police Station are in keeping with the goal of the City Mayor Joie Perales, which is to eradicate any and all forms of human trafficking. In such a way, the station is able to deliver utmost public safety and security especially to our women and children,” said Alarcon.
Charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 10364 or human trafficking in person in relation to RA 7610 will be filed against the suspects.