No bail for man accused of pimping minors

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office has recommended no bail against a 21-year-old man accused of pimping minors in exchange of monetary consideration.

State Prosecutor Simaco Labata held respondent, Fujilito Sitoy, 21, a resident of Lawis, Alaska, Mambaling, Cebu City for trial after finding probable cause.

During inquest proceeding, respondent opted not to file counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him for a violation of Republic Act 9208 as amended by Republic Act 10364 otherwise known as Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

On Monday at 8 p.m. respondent was arrested through entrapment operation by the members of the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force-7 led by Inspector Sheryl Bautista at a supermarket in Barangay Mambaling.

According to them, they conducted three weeks surveillance after they received information from a concerned citizen that respondent was allegedly engaged in selling minors to customers for sexual services.

The RAHTTF rescued nine girls, seven were minors aged 12 to 16 years old. The victims were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for custody.

In an interview, respondent denied the accusations filed against him. He claimed innocent.

"I was surprised why I was arrested by them when I arrived at the area," he said in Cebuano, adding he was not committing a crime during arrest and that all were set up.

Prior to the arrest, on April 28, 2014, he said a certain James texted him and the following day they met at Colon. He told James to bring along ten girls.

However, on May 5, the set date that he and James would meet at a supermarket in Barangay Mambaling, respondent said that he did not bring girls. He claimed that he was just fooling James.

"I was surprised when I alighted from a public utility jeepney and saw my neighbor and her eight companions (victims) outside in a supermarket," he said, claiming he was not a pimp.

Respondent also told Labata that upon arrival at the area, he was arrested and ordered to board a van. Therein, he said the operatives handed the money which he allegedly refused to accept but was still allegedly forcibly given. — (FREEMAN)