The Pasig City government has shut down a hotel in Barangay Ugong following a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raid that uncovered alleged human trafficking and prostitution activities, leading to the rescue of 54 individuals.
In a closure order dated on Monday, April 27, the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD) directed the shutdown of Bleu Hotel Pasig, operated by Zerrin Dev’t Corporation, on J. Vargas Avenue.
The order stemmed from the NBI operation conducted on April 21, which reportedly exposed illegal activities inside the establishment.
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Authorities said the alleged activities violated the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
The city government said the violations also breached the conditions of the hotel’s business permit, which requires compliance with laws, local ordinances, and standards of public order.
The NBI filed charges against Zerrin Development Corp. and named its officers, including Julie Defensor and her child, Mel, in connection with the case.
Defensor, the wife of former lawmaker Mike Defensor, denied any involvement and said the accusations against their family were false and politically motivated.
The NBI maintained that the operation was a legitimate law enforcement action and not politically driven.
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It added that business owners and operators may be held liable if their establishments are used for illegal activities.
The NBI said the case remains under investigation and that all parties are entitled to due process.
Meanwhile, the Pasig City government said the closure took effect immediately pending the resolution of the case.