The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed complaints for qualified trafficking in persons before the Pasig City Prosecutor's Office against former Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, his wife Julie Defensor, their children Atty. Michaela Defensor and Miguel Gabriel Defensor, and several other individuals.
The charges stem from the April 21 raid on the Chicago KTV Bar in Pasig City, where authorities rescued more than 50 individuals who were allegedly victims of sexual exploitation.
Also included in the complaint are Wack Wack Golf and Country Club President Lawrence Tan, who was reportedly present during the operation, as well as several officials of Cliffpoint Development.
According to the NBI, the complaint alleges that structural modifications made to the Chicago KTV Bar and the adjoining Bleu Hotel were designed to facilitate human trafficking activities. Investigators further alleged that these modifications were carried out with the consent of former Congressman Defensor.
The filing of the complaint follows the NBI's investigation into the establishment's alleged involvement in trafficking and sexual exploitation operations uncovered during the raid.
Defensor has previously denied the allegations, maintaining that the accusations are politically motivated and describing the case as a political attack against him.
The Pasig City Prosecutor's Office will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether probable cause exists to formally indict the respondents in court.
