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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3 persons arrested, 26 'victims' rescued from 'sex trafficking operation' in La Union -- NBI

3 persons arrested, 26 'victims' rescued from 'sex trafficking operation' in La Union -- NBI

Published Oct 15, 2025 02:05 pm
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two suspects for an alleged sex trafficking operation in La Union and rescued 26 persons, seven of them minors.
In a statement, the NBI identified those arrested last Oct. 9 by the agents of its Ilocos Regional Office (NBI-IRO) as Robert Zhien Cu and Vanessa Ballientos Bernaldo who are also known through the aliases Warren Cruz and Vhanz, respectively.
It said that a teen-aged boy only identified as “Jepot” who was working with the two persons as “recruiter” was also taken into custody and was turned-over to the San Fernando City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).
“During the operation, 18 female victims, four female minor victims, one male victim, and three male minor victims were rescued,” it also said.
After their arrest, the NBI said that Cu and Bernaldo were presented for inquest before the La Union Prosecutor’s Office for violations of the Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003 as amended and the Child Abuse Law in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
It said the operation was conducted based on information provided by a non-governmental organization (NGO) that advocates against child trafficking.
It also said the NGO disclosed that “trafficking activities in San Fernando City, La Union, were being facilitated by an individual using the alias ‘Warren,’ later identified as Robert Zhien CuOBERT ZHIEN CU.”
Cu, the NBI said, offered minor females and males for sexual services at the rate of P3,000 to P4,000 per person.
It said that during the operation, Cu managed to escape but was caught in a motel in San Fernando City.
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