The Taguig police rescued a high school student who was a victim of sex trafficking in Taguig on March 26.
The operation, conducted in a vape shop at about 10:20 p.m., resulted in the arrest of the suspect identified as alias Gilbert, 36, a resident of Barangay Calzada Tipas, Taguig.
He was apprehended for alleged violation of Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003).
The Taguig police's operation (Photo from Taguig police / SPD)
The victim, a Taguig resident, was turned over to the care of the Taguig City government’s social welfare personnel.
The operation stemmed from a report filed by the victim’s sister who discovered an online conversation detailing a transaction involving the minor being forced into sexual activities.
She sought help of barangay officials, who referred the case to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) on March 20. The WCPD quickly organized an entrapment operation.
During the entrapment, the suspect attempted to facilitate the illegal act by introducing a 19-year-old male witness to a woman in exchange for a vape and a wristwatch.
The witness was led to a room where the suspect and the minor were waiting. The suspect instructed the witness to remove his clothes, at which point police operatives and city social workers intervened, rescued the victim, and arrested the suspect on the spot.
A case for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act will be filed against the suspect.
“This successful operation reflects our commitment to protect the vulnerable and pursue justice for the exploited. The Southern Police District will not tolerate any form of abuse against women and children,” said Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena, director of the Southern Police District.