MANILA, Philippines — A couple in Bulacan has been convicted of qualified human trafficking after they lured a teenager to work for them as a house helper before forcing her to perform nude shows online for foreigners.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat) said on Thursday that the Malolos City Regional Trial Court Branch 4, in a 22-page decision, found the couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of qualified trafficking, as defined and penalized under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended.
The court sentenced both accused to life imprisonment and also ordered them to each pay a fine of P2 million.
Additionally, they were ordered to pay the minor victim P500,000 for moral damages and P100,000 for exemplary damages.
According to Iacat, the teenager managed to escape and reported the situation to barangay officials, leading to the filing of charges against the couple.
Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval hailed the court decision as a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking and the online sexual exploitation of children.
He said that the ruling sends a strong message to offenders that “the Philippines will not tolerate such heinous acts.”
‘Resounding testament’
For its part, the Iacat said the couple’s conviction “stands as a resounding testament to the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating human trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.”
“The Department of Justice, alongside its partners in law enforcement and the judiciary, reaffirms its dedication to pursuing justice for victims of trafficking and ensuring that perpetrators be held accountable under the law,” it added.
Earlier this week, the Iacat, Office of the Prosecutor General, and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) signed a memorandum of agreement to create a legal task force to ensure the swift and effective prosecution of human trafficking cases in the country.
The Department of Justice said that the task force would handle cases involving trafficking in persons, online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials that require legal services from the OSG or its representation of the state.