50 sex workers rescued in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Makati City Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Interagency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) rescued at least 50 alleged sex workers, including some minors from a nightclub in the city yesterday.

Director Samuel Pagdilao, CIDG chief said nine floor managers were also arrested on the raid at Pharaoh KTV Business and Entertainment at the Makati Creekside Commercial Building along Amorsolo street in Legaspi Village.

Sources told The STAR that the club is owned by a group of Chinese businessmen who flaunt their alleged connection not only with top officials of the police but also from the National Bureau of Investigation.

Superintendent Emma Libunao, CIDG-Women and Children Protection Division chief said initial investigation showed that customers pay P5,000 for the services of an entertainer inside the VIP rooms but the female worker is paid a measly P400 per hour.

She said customers can also choose a female worker, who are showcased in an aquarium-like viewing area, which is already an evidence of exploitation of women and a violation of the anti-human trafficking law.– Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde