Frenchman nabbed with minor

CEBU, Philippines - A Frenchman was arrested by the police yesterday inside an uptown hotel for being with two girls, one is a minor.

Anti-Cyber Crime Group (ACG)-Central Visayas chief Michael Vertudazo identified the suspect as Alex Lefur, 43. Lefur was in the company of 14-year-old and 18-year-old girls inside his hotel room when a joint team of the police, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Children's Legal Bureau arrived.

Vertudazo said they have conducted surveillance operations against Lefur since Thursday on suspicion that he is into human trafficking. Vertudazo said they were able to confirm their suspicion yesterday when they found the two girls inside his room.

Lefur has been in the country for five days, said Vertudazo.

According to the police, the hotel management became suspicious of the foreigner's activity because his room is often visited by young Filipina women. Lefur had allegedly brought at least 10 women already inside his room since he checked in five days ago.

This observation prompted the management to caution the security guard to prohibit the minors from entering the hotel with Lefur.

Lefur however was only found talking with the two girls he brought with him in the room when the police raided his room yesterday. But the police seized a laptop and cellular phone from Lefur.

The foreigner refused to talk to the members of the media when asked to comment on his arrest.

But Vertudazo said Lefur has been very cooperative in the investigation. He however refused to divulge what they were doing inside the hotel.

Lefur, according to CLB representative, resisted and tried to close the door when policemen arrived.

The police official said the DSWD will hold the minor in their custody while Lefur will be charged with qualified trafficking.  (FREEMAN)