Cops raid 4 sex dens, rescue 54 women

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-four women have been rescued from a café, two spas and a bar allegedly operating as prostitution dens in Makati, Pateros and Quezon City since Friday.

Makati police officers, led by investigation chief Maj. Gideon Ines Jr. and Women and Children Protection head Lt. Mylene Juan, raided a café along Morse street in Barangay San Isidro at past midnight yesterday.

They arrested Rafael Rosales, 42, who reportedly runs the brothel, and alleged pimps Rodolfo Robles, 38, and Joshua Rivera, 29.

The raid was conducted after an informant posed as a customer and paid Robles P3,000 in exchange for the service of a sex worker.

Juan said the raiding team recovered sex paraphernalia from one of the rooms in the establishment.

Police also raided the Pentagon Spa, suspected to be a front for prostitution, on Belarmino street in Barangay Bangkal and arrested Jennifer de Leon, 30, who allegedly maintains the spa, and 11 female sex workers.

The raid was conducted after an undercover agent paid P2,500 in exchange for the service of a sex worker.

In Pateros, nine persons were arrested in a raid on the Singkita KTV bar for alleged involvement in human trafficking before dawn yesterday.

They were identified as Shaila Ogson, Sheena Yobiro, Mariel Merdegia, Joedeth Luberas, Mae Cabungcal, Lerry Reyes, Roselen Mei Santiga, Josephine Villanueva and Mark Desusido. 

In Quezon City, nine women were rescued following a raid on a spa that offered “extra service” on Friday.

Police and officials from the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office closed the Inflorence Spa on Roosevelt Avenue in Barangay San Antonio.

The raid was conducted after an undercover agent confirmed that the spa’s therapists offer sex services.

The owner of the establishment, identified as Ivie Estor Haller, will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking Act of 2003, police said. 

The city police gave assurance that it would intensify the crackdown on establishments engaging in prostitution as ordered by Mayor Joy Belmonte. 

At least three other establishments offering such services were closed down by the city government in the past few months.  – With Romina Cabrera