Abalos wants Pasay police chief probed over human trafficking

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has instructed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. to look into the possible liability of the Pasay police chief amid the discovery of human trafficking operation in the city.

“I ordered the PNP to investigate the alleged massive human trafficking and to take appropriate actions as warranted,” Abalos said.

In a letter to Acorda, Abalos also ordered the relief of the commander and all members of the police sub-station pending the investigation of the case.

According to reports, law enforcers rescued 589 victims of forced labor and seven female victims of sexual exploitation during a raid on two Philippine offshore gaming operator firms at the corner of Harrison and William streets in Pasay on Oct. 27.

“Numerous rooms in the six-story building were allegedly used for sex trafficking and illegal online gaming,” Abalos said.