27 sex workers rescued in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines—Twenty-seven female workers peddled for sexual services were rescued Thursday night in Biñan, Laguna, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Friday.

Operatives from the Women and Children Protection Division (WCPD) of the CIDG and members of Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking raided the Sir King John Leonardo KTV Bar and Galaxy Health Spa, both located at the Marni Building, in Canlalay, Biñan at around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Pagdilao said.

Police Superintendent Emma Libunao, who led the raids, said the operation was made after residents in the area reported that minor females from Visayas and Mindanao employed as massage attendants and entertainers in the establishments were also being sold for sexual services.

Seven suspects, including two floor managers,  were arrested during the raids, Pagdilao said.

Libunao said that the raid was in line with their chief’s directive to “hit hard on clubs engaged in rampant sex trade and exploitation of minors and women.”