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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Bulacan cops arrest wanted woman for illegal recruitment, human trafficking

Bulacan cops arrest wanted woman for illegal recruitment, human trafficking

Published Apr 21, 2025 02:27 am

A woman wanted for human trafficking and large-scale illegal recruitment was arrested by operatives of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) and Central Luzon police while lighting a candle inside a church in Bulacan on Black Saturday, April 19.

Illegal recruiter arrested (1).jpg
A 38-year-old woman of Brgy. Pinagbarilan, City of Baliwag, Bulacan was arrested by Joint forces of Central Luzon police in San Lorenzo Parish Church, Brgy. Wawa, Balagtas, Bulacan on Black Saturday, April 19, 2025. (Photo from Bulacan PPO)

Bulacan PPO officer-in-charge Col. Franklin Estoro identified the suspect as “Neldy,” 38, a resident of Barangay Pinagbarilan, Baliwag, Bulacan.

Estoro said the suspect was listed as the No. 2 Most Wanted Person at the provincial level and the top most wanted in Baliwag City.

Neldy was apprehended at around 2:25 p.m. at San Lorenzo Church in Barangay Wawa, Balagtas, Bulacan.

She was served a warrant of arrest for violating Section 4(A) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by R.A. 10364, and for large-scale illegal recruitment under Section 6 of R.A. 8042, as amended by R.A. 10022.

No bail was recommended, according to the warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 19 in Malolos City.

Police said the suspect was evasive, and out of concern that she might escape, they immediately arrested her inside the church.

Neldy allegedly went into hiding after being accused by multiple victims of promising them jobs as waitresses in a bar in Malaysia, which reportedly turned out to be a front for prostitution.

The victims said they were brought into Malaysia through backdoor routes involving multiple transit points and speedboat rides.

Once there, they were made to work in a bar that was eventually raided by Malaysian authorities.

The victims were arrested for working without permits.

Further investigation revealed that Neldy had accomplices, who are now the subjects of an ongoing manhunt.

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