Bar manager charged with human trafficking

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted the floor manager of a KTV bar for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act for allegedly using women for prostitution.

Assistant city prosecutor Rodulph Joseph Val Carillo recommended no bail against the accused whose name withheld by The FREEMAN in compliance with the provisions of the Republic Act 9208.

 “I hereby certify that I have conducted a preliminary investigation…that based upon the facts and evidence presented, there is a reasonable ground to believe that the crime of violation of Section 4 (a) and (e) in relation to Section 6 of RA 9208 has been committed,” Carillo’s resolution states.

Carillo said that based on the evidence presented and the admission of one of the 17 trafficked victims rescued during the police operation a probable cause was established to charge the floor manager in court.

Two of those rescued were found to be minors based on the results of the dental examinations.

Members of the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RATTF) raided D’ Sisters Bar along Maxilom Avenue on June 18 following reports that the said establishment is engaged in prostitution.

PO3 Jose Erwin Dumaguit acted as decoy looking for sexual services of a woman. Dumaguit transacted with the floor manager who allegedly offered one of the women at the bar. The police officer was required to pay at the cashier before he could take out the woman of his choice. After paying at the cashier using the marked-money the members of the raiding team were immediately alerted and swopped down the bar.

The floor manager was arrested and the 17 dancers were rescued. (FREEMAN)