NBI rescues 17 human trafficking victims, including six minors, in Cavite

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation-International Airport Investigation Unit (NBI-IAIU) rescued 17 female victims of human trafficking, including six minors, in Indang, Cavite last Friday, June 22, 2018.

NBI-IAIU conducted an investigation upon receiving information from a victim, a passenger bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

She was stopped by Bureau of Immigration for appearing to be a minor, which the unit confirmed to be true.

The victim reported to the NBI-IAIU that she was a recruit of Advance Step International Manpower Services, Inc. in General Santos City.

NBI Director Dante Gierran said a relative of the victim attempted to fetch her from the terminal, along with two male companions, Jomer Dela Cruz, trainee as Liason of the agency and Simplicio Punzalan, driver of the agency.

Under Gierran’s order, Punzalan led the operatives to a house in Indang, Cavite where the victims were rescued.

Punzalan was then placed under arrest and brought before the Pasay City Prosecutors Office for inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act (R.A.) 9208 in relation to R.A. 7610, and R.A. 8042.

The officers of the agency were identified as Ruel F. Lucas, President; Glenda S. Shammary, Treasurer; Gladys Sacueza, General Manager; Joann Oliveros, Director; and Glerica Sacueza, Secretary/Liason Officer.

They have also been recommended for prosecution. — Syrah Vivien Inocencio/INQUIRER.net intern