NBI rescues 15 sex workers

MANILA, Philippines - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) rescued 15 sex workers in a sting at the Isetan Mall in Quiapo, Manila Thursday.

NBI anti-human trafficking division agents, led by AHTRAD chief Eric Nuqui, also arrested the sex workers’ two alleged handlers in another sting at the mall’s fourth and fifth floors.

The two handlers were charged with violating Republic Acts 10364 (the law penalizing human trafficking) and 7610 (the law protecting children against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination) before the city prosecutor’s office.

According to NBI-AHTRAD, the sting stemmed from a tip its agents received that prostitution is rampant at the mall. An insider said pimps blatantly approach mallgoers.

Six women and nine minors (both male and female) were pimped for a minimum of P1,000 to P2,000.