6 suspects, including 2 Koreans, nabbed for human trafficking in Angeles City

Some of the female workers at the IM KTV Bar, who are alleged victims of human trafficking. (Photo courtesy of the Police Regional Office 3)

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Policemen arrested two Korean men and four Filipinos in an entrapment operation late Monday, April 17, against human trafficking in Pampang village in this city.

Central Luzon police director Brigadier General Jose Hidalgo Jr. said in a statement that the operation was conducted at the IM KTV Bar and  resulted in the rescue of four female workers, including a 17-year-old.

He said some 40 other women working at the bar were also taken by authorities for assessment at a center for women’s welfare in this city.

Using marked three P1,000 bills placed on top of 21 pieces of boodle (fake) money, undercover policemen were able to pay for the supposedly sex services of the four female KTV workers.

Hidalgo said undercover policemen handed over the payment to one Jayson Lacangan, who, in turn, turned it over to the two Korean men identified as Matt Lee and Alex Han.

Also arrested were Aileen Pineda, Jennifer Mendoza, and Preciosa Mahusay, who allegedly recruited the trafficking victims to the bar.

Police were also looking for Marianne Han, the registered owner of the bar.

The police undertook the operation, along with the city social welfare and development office.

Hidalgo said the entrapment operation stemmed from information provided by a concerned citizen that two Koreans, who own and manage the IM KTV Bar, are sexually exploiting their employees.

He said the suspects face charges of human trafficking and violating the law that protects women and children.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. went to the said KTV bar and immediately ordered its closure. INQ

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