MANILA, Philippines—Around 50 alleged sex traders including female college students were rescued by police while nine suspects were arrested in a raid in Makati Tuesday midnight, police said Wednesday.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) Women and Children Protection Division (WCPD), the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and Makati City officials joined forces in raiding Club Pharaoh KTV at Creekside building, Amorsolo corner Javier Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City around midnight Tuesday, said CIDG chief Police Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr.
The suspects were floor managers of Club Pharaoh KTV identified only through their aliases; Sheldon, Junnelyn, Nati, Ma. Reyna, Maila, Ma. Victoria, Elena, Mary Angelyn and Noemi.
CIDG-WCPD chief Police Superintendent Emma Libunao said there were complaints stating the establishment was engaging in sex trade and some of its workers are students.
The presence of an “aquarium,” in which customers can view and choose a female worker was already an evidence of exploitation of women and constitutes a violation of the anti-human trafficking law, Libunao said. “The aquarium can be likened to a glass container where the women are being sold as commodity for sexual services to customers.”
Investigation showed that while customers have to pay P5,000 for the services of an “entertainer” inside the VIP room, the woman was being paid around P400 per hour by the management of Club Pharaoh KTV. If the customer chooses to avail of sexual services from the female worker of their choice, there are private rooms where they can pay P10,000 for the said service, Libunao said.
He added the CIDG-WCPD and the IACAT have evidence that can prove that female workers of the said establishment perform sexual acts with customers inside the VIP and the other private rooms.
Violations of the Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act will be filed against the suspects, Libunao said.