TACLOBAN CITY—Police rescued Wednesday five women inside a massage clinic in this city for allegedly offering sex services to clients.
Police also arrested the owner and cashier of the establishment for violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
The investigation of the Eastern Visayas police showed that the rescued women were hired as a masseuse but worked as sex workers.
The rescued women were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Brigadier Gen. Bernardo Banac, regional police director, lauded those behind the operation.
“This is a warning to all: Our police officers are working hand in hand with other government agencies in suppressing criminalities and illegalities. Also, I am appealing to our parents and their daughters alike to never resort to any illegal activities despite their poverty,” he said.
The police conducted the operation through the Office of the Women and Children Protection Desk and the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Development.