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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NBI rescues 2 Vietnamese women from 'sex trafficking operations of a foreign syndicate'

NBI rescues 2 Vietnamese women from 'sex trafficking operations of a foreign syndicate'

Published Jan 28, 2026 12:26 pm
Two Vietnamese women were rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from an alleged sex trafficking operation reportedly conducted by a foreign syndicate in Pasay City.
NBI Acting Director Angelito DLP. Magno said the two foreigners were rescued last Jan. 22 in a luxury hotel by operatives of the bureau’s Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD).
Magno said the NBI is conducting follow up operations to identify and apprehend the organizers of the international syndicate.
He said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports regarding a foreign-led syndicate that has been utilizing encrypted social messaging platforms to advertise the sexual services of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese women.
“This operation highlights the evolving nature of human trafficking, where syndicates use technology to hide in plain sight," he also said.
After receiving the information about the syndicate, the NBI said its HTRAD conducted technical surveillance which included monitoring the illegal transaction and the reservations in various hotels.
In a luxury hotel, it said that HTRAD agents observed two women matching the victims' digital profiles arriving at the scene.
“Upon a predetermined signal, the team executed the operation and successfully secured the two victims,” it added.
However, the NBI said persons connected with the syndicate were not physically present at the drop-off location. Several mobile devices believed being used by the syndicate in its communications and booking logistics were recovered, it also said.
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