The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven individuals and rescued 12 trafficking victims, including several minors and an infant, during a series of anti-human trafficking operations in Parañaque City on May 7.
In a statement, the NBI said the operation was carried out by its Homicide Division following intelligence reports from a non-governmental organization regarding a suspected trafficking syndicate allegedly exploiting minors through illegal spa services.
Investigators discovered that the group was using “Rainbow Spa” as a front for prostitution activities, offering so-called “nuru massage” and “lingam massage” services that allegedly involved sexual acts in exchange for money.
Undercover agents coordinated with the suspects through social media and later confirmed the illegal activities during surveillance operations.
During the entrapment operation, agents were offered the services of two female therapists and were brought to a nearby apartelle. After the marked money was handed over, operatives identified themselves and immediately rescued the victims. Two male suspects tasked with transporting the minor victims to clients were arrested on site.
Further investigation led authorities to a residence in Fortunata Village, Parañaque City, where additional victims and suspects were allegedly staying. The follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of two more individuals and the rescue of eight additional victims.
Authorities later uncovered that two minor victims were still being transported to separate clients. This prompted another operation targeting the alleged operators of the trafficking syndicate, identified as a couple residing in Fourth Estate, Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City. Both suspects were successfully arrested.
Simultaneously, another rescue operation conducted at a motel in Pasay City led to the rescue of another minor victim and the arrest of her male client. An additional female victim was also recovered during inventory and verification procedures at the Fortunata Village residence.
The arrested suspects have been inquested for violations of Republic Act No. 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, along with other applicable laws.
