January 16, 2014 6:50 pm
AT least 21 women, most of them minors, forced to become sex workers have been rescued in a human-trafficking crackdown by police in Angeles City. Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, Philippine National Police (PNP) Public spokesman, said police teams swooped on two restaurant-bars in Balibago, Angeles City.
Sindac said the raids were carried out last Monday by elements of the Women and Children Protection Division (WCPD), Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Group and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Sindac said the girls were working at the Lovely Paradise Resto-Bar and Aby Lyn Wine bar both on Raymond St. Two women, Cristine Tanola, cashier of Aby Lyn Wine Bar, and Marilou Palconit, who also works at the same bar, were arrested, Sindac said. Sindac said police are looking for four other suspects, Abigail Miole of Aby Lyn Wine Bar and Leticia Miole, registered owner of Lovely Paradise Resto-Bar, Diosdado Masong, and Edna Cavity.
The two bar have been under surveillance by police, DSWD personnel and International Justice Mission (IJM). Sindac said two undercover policemen posed as customers of the bars. Charges of violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2003 (RA 10364) and Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination (RA 7610) are being prepared against the suspects. ANTHONY VARGAS
