Police: 17 women rescued from sex trafficking in Pampanga; 2 nabbed

Police rescue 17 women from sex trafficking allegedly by 2 suspects arrested in back-to-back operations in Angeles City, Pampanga on Friday, April 11, 2025 — Photo from the Police Regional Office 3

MANILA, Philippines — Seventeen women were rescued from alleged sex trafficking in Pampanga province, the Police Regional Office (PRO 3) said on Thursday.

This was the result of two entrapment operations arresting two suspects who allegedly trafficked the victims, PRO 3 said in a statement.

According to the police, 12 of the women were found in a house in Barangay Pulung Maragul in Angeles City at 4 p.m. on April 11, as authorities apprehended a 36-year-old suspect identified as “Melissa.”

Five more women were found in a restaurant in the same barangay at 5:45 p.m. also on April 11, leading to the arrest of another suspect identified as “Arianna,” the PRO 3 added.

The Central Luzon police said the suspects arrested would face criminal complaints for violating Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA No. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

READ: BI: Beware of sex trafficking schemes

“Medical and psychological assessments have been requested for both the victims and the suspects to support case build-up and ensure victim welfare,” PRO 3 said.