POLICE yesterday arrested two suspected pimps and rescued nine human trafficking victims during a rescue operation in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said joint elements of the Regional Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Group 3 headed by Maj. Ailyn Rosario and SSg. Geraldine Trivino, together with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Plaridel police conducted the rescue operation in front of the Meralco office in Bgy. Agnaya, Plaridel, Bulacan.
Arrested were two alleged pimps identified as Jessue Lucban alias “Moymoy,” 19, of Bgy. Plaridel, Bulacan; and Mark Santos, 19, of Bgy. Lugam, Malolos City, Bulacan.
Rescued were five adult women, two female minors and two male minors.
An investigation showed the victims were offered for paid sexual services.
Cases for violations of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 are being prepared for filing in court against the arrested suspects.
According to Hidalgo, the entrapment and rescue operation firmly sends a message that the Philippine National Police will not cease its untiring quest to curb all forms of lawlessness in the region.
