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| Authorities rescued five females, including a 10-year-old girl, during a raid on a massage parlor in Tacloban City that provides illicit services. Photo: Police Regional Office 8/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – On Wednesday, May 25, officers from Police Regional Office 8 raided a massage parlor in Tacloban City and rescued five women who were allegedly providing illicit services to customers.
The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 resulted in the arrest of the business owner and the cashier, both of whom were charged with violating the act during the entrapment and rescue operations at the massage parlor located in Burgos St, Brgy. 23, Tacloban City at approximately 10:20 p.m.
An initial investigation revealed that the establishment masquerades as a massage spa but is actually a prostitution den where victim attendants are hired and maintained as masseuses and offer illicit services to its customers.
Five (5) females, including a 10-year-old, were rescued from the said operation. They were then handed over to the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) for protective custody.
Meanwhile, both suspects have undergone medical examinations and are now in the custody of Police Station 2, Abucay, TCPO, and a case for violation of RA 10364 has already been filed with the City Prosecutor's Office through inquest proceedings.
The operation was carried out by WCPD, PRO 8 elements led by PMaj Analiza Armeza, C, WCPD/Team Leader in collaboration with PltCol Anna Luisa Centino, Legal Officer/Assistant Chief, Regional Legal Office 8, personnel from Tacloban City Police Office led by PCol Michael Palermo, Officer-in-Charge, and elements from the 805th Maneuver Company, RMFB8.
RIACAT8, RATTF8, DOLE8, DSWD8, CSWDO-Tacloban City, and the Tacloban City City Licensing Office also assisted in the entrapment.
Brigadier General Bernardo Banac, Regional Police Director, praised the operating team for its successful operation.
"This is a warning to all: Our police officers are working hand in hand with other government agencies in suppressing criminalities and illegalities. Also, I am appealing to our parents and their daughters alike to never resort to any illegal activities despite their poverty," he said. —Tacloban News Update (Source: PRO-8)