National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag denied allegations that the recent raid on a night club in Pasig City was politically motivated, insisting that the operation was purely law enforcement action aimed at rescuing victims of alleged human trafficking.
The statement comes after former congressman Mike Defensor claimed that the NBI’s operation was influenced by politics and allegedly targeted individuals linked to him.
During the Saturday News Forum in House of Representatives, Matibag rejected the accusations, stressing that the raid was based on intelligence reports and supported by evidence of illegal activities inside the establishment, located in Pasig City.
“Anong sabi po ni Mike Defensor doon sa interview niya kagabi doon sa isang istasyon matagal nang hininto yan, 2019 na pero nung tinanong sino pinagpasan, hindi nila masabi kasinungalingan po, hawak ko po ang dokumento ang lease contract was signed 2025 ang nakapirma asawa po niya. At ang business permit mo nila sa Pasig, Zerrin [Dev’t Corp] pa rin, for 2026. Eh sino po kayo na nagsisinungaling?” Matibag said.
Matibag emphasized that the raid was part of the agency’s broader mandate to enforce the law and dismantle illegal operations, including human trafficking, drug violations, and other crimes.
He urged critics to review the NBI’s record of operations since February, citing multiple arrests involving illegal recruitment, immigration violations, counterfeit products, and other criminal activities.
“Nagkataon nandiyan ka huwag nating ilihis na gawin natin politika at trabaho po ng National Bureau of Investigation na hulihin at pananagutan ang mga lumalabag sa batas. Ang sabi niya, puro politika daw ang inaasikaso ng NBI. You check my track record from February 23 until today kung ano yung mga hinuli namin,” Matibag said.
He also defended the integrity of NBI personnel, saying it was unfair to accuse the institution of political bias when its agents were simply performing their duties.
“It's very unfair to the men and women of NBI and the law enforcement. Huwag natin dalhin sa usapin ng politika at huwag pong sabihin na dinala ko ang pamilya mo dahil sa politika. Ikaw ang naglagay sa pamilya mo, dyan sa negosyo niyan,” he added.
On Friday, the wife of former lawmaker Mike Defensor denied any involvement in the operation and described the allegations as a “political attack.”
Authorities, however, confirmed that several individuals—including members of Defensor’s family and corporate officers of the establishment—have been named in the complaints filed before the prosecutor’s office.
According to the NBI, the operation conducted on April 21, 2026, at a KTV and nightclub known as “Chicago” formerly “Venetto Luna” inside a commercial compound along Julia Vargas Avenue in Barangay Ugong, led to the rescue of around 54 women. Authorities said some of the victims were foreign nationals and were believed to have been recruited under deceptive circumstances.
Investigators reported that the establishment allegedly functioned not only as a bar but also as a venue where women were presented to clients as “customer care assistants” and later offered for sexual services.
The NBI has filed complaints for violations of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended, and Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against several individuals, including corporate officers allegedly linked to the establishment.
A transmittal letter dated April 23, 2026, confirmed that the case has been referred to the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
The NBI said it will continue its operations against illegal activities nationwide as part of its mandate. Meanwhile, some of the rescued individuals have been turned over to the Pasig City Social Welfare and Development Office for assistance and intervention.
