10 trafficking victims rescued from spa

MANILA, Philippines — Two people were arrested and 10 alleged victims of human trafficking were rescued by police operatives in Quezon City on Thursday.

The raid on LS Aroma Golden Wellness Spa in Barangay Pasong Tamo by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group under the supervision of CIDG director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee was conducted at around 3:55 p.m.

The operation stemmed from a tip that the spa’s management had been offering its therapists for sexual services to its customers.

Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, who heads the CIDG’s National Capital Region field unit, said Jennifer Barrameda, 32, the spa’s manager, and cashier Recy Mae Tapalla, 25, were arrested during the raid.

Police are looking for the spa’s owner, Airo Joshua Porygal, who is at large.

Ten women ages 19 to 35 were rescued in the operation.