Charges of qualified trafficking were filed in court against three persons who were arrested by police for purportedly exposing five women to prostitution along Juana Osmeña Street in Cebu City.
Police charges of prostitution against five women aged 19 to 35 were dismissed.
Tara Dacayana, Rico Lauron, and Mary Grace Cumayas will be facing trial for violating Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
The three were arrested by operatives of the Investigation and Detctive Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office along Juana Osmeña Street during an operation last July 9.
Assistant City Prosecutor Ernesto Narido said the five women are spared from any liability since they are considered “victims.”
Narido said only the three alleged pimps should be charged in court for maintaining or hiring women for prostitution.