PNP denies cops are colluding with prostitution syndicates

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday took “strong exception” to allegations that some of its personnel are “colluding with” and “protecting” syndicates involved in Chinese prostitution rings in the country.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac insisted that the agency’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and other local police units are at the forefront in efforts to suppress crimes, including prostitution.

On Wednesday, Senator Risa Hontiveros claimed that “personnel within our PNP” are colluding with syndicates and protecting groups involved in the proliferation of prostitution dens nationwide.

“It should interest the good senator to note that the PNP, thru the WCPC, the CIDG and the local PNP Units have since been at the forefront  law enforcement efforts to suppress not only index crime incidents but also crimes against public morals including prostitution, gambling and illegal vices,” Banac said in a statement.

“The WCPC has been empowered even more with orders from the Chief PNP to lead the campaign against prostitution and trafficking of Filipino women, particularly by syndicated activities operated by foreign groups,” he added.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier PNP’s WCPC to “intensify further” the campaign against prostitution, in coordination with local government units, and local social welfare offices

In a Senate hearing last Tuesday, Hontiveros bared that sexual services are being offered like food in restaurant menus in Chinese prostitution dens often disguised as massage or spa facilities.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, said the PNP will lead the probe on the reported emergence of  Chinese prostitution dens in the country, which is supposedly linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry.