NBI busts trafficking syndicate

MANILA, Philippines — Seven individuals were arrested for suspected human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation reported on Sunday.

“The National Bureau of Investigation, through its Homicide Division, successfully arrested seven individuals and rescued 12 trafficked victims, including several minors and an infant, during a series of entrapment and rescue operations conducted on May 7, 2026,” the NBI said in a statement.

According to the NBI, the series of operations on May 7 began after a nongovernmental organization reported activities allegedly offering “victims” to clients as “therapists” for so-called “nuru massage” and “lingam massage.”

NBI found that the supposed spa treatments involved sexual services for money.

READ: Matibag: NBI to also sue Mike Defensor over human trafficking case

During the first operation, undercover agents availed the services of two female therapists who were then rescued and identified as minors, while the two men who transported the victims were arrested on-site.

Later, the NBI found that more victims were staying with the suspects in Fortunata Village in Parañaque City.

READ: NBI nabs Australian over human trafficking in Surigao; 6 minors rescued

Two more individuals were arrested at the residence, and eight more victims were rescued. Additionally, another female victim was recovered at a later time.

NBI agents held a separate rescue operation in Pasay City were a minor victim was rescued, while the male client was arrested. /cb