4 suspects nabbed for trafficking women – NBI

MANILA, Philippines — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday arrested four people for alleged involvement in human trafficking in Makati.

The NBI-Organized and Transnational Crimes Division conducted an entrapment and rescue operation at Me Two Club, an establishment suspected of trafficking women, including minors.

The suspects were identified as Carl Marthy Javier, Arlene Catipay, Nancy Hipolito and Danica Abila.

They are being held at the NBI detention facility at Building 14 of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

The NBI said the operation was carried out in coordination with the Makati Social Welfare Department, NBI-Human Trafficking Division, Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking  and a non-government organization.

The NBI said it received intelligence information that the club was engaged in illegal sexual services.

Authorities broke into the club and informed the suspects that the operation was being recorded through body-worn cameras.

Up to 102 victims of human trafficking, referred to as customer care assistants, were rescued. They were profiled and assessed by social workers. 

The victims were turned over to the social welfare offices of their respective local government units.

Six of them gave sworn statements confirming that they offered sexual services for a fee.

The NBI said the suspects were allegedly responsible for facilitating the club’s illegal activities, such as arranging for the victims’ meet-up with customers and accepting payment for their services.

Charges of violating Republic Act 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, were filed against the suspects. 

They were presented for inquest before the Makati prosecutor’s office on Monday.