Bar manager faces trafficking charges

CHARGES of human trafficking were filed against the manager of a downtown bar in Cebu City who was arrested by police for allegedly hiring women and girls for sexual exploitation.

The respondent is facing charges for violating Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office.

He was presented before Assistant City Prosecutor Rodulf Joseph Val Carillo for an inquest proceeding last Monday.

The manager chose  to undergo a preliminary investigation and refute the  allegations.

He was given seven days to submit a  counter-affidavit.

A total of 17 female club workers, including four minors, were rescued by police inside  Boss Karaoke along Sanciangko Street in Cebu City last Thursday.

Eight of the victims executed an affidavit against the respondent.

A surveillance was made by police weeks before the raid that was conducted with assistance from the International Justice Mission./REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL