NBI arrests 7 suspects, rescues 12 victims in anti- sex trafficking ops

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

“The National Bureau of Investigation, through its Homicide Division, successfully arrested seven (7) individuals and rescued twelve (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 non-governmental organization reported activities allegedly offering “victims to clients as “therapists” for so-called “nuru massage” and “lingam massage.”

READ: Over 13000 Filipinos among 125000 trafficking victims worldwide

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

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, Parañaque City.

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.

“Follow-up investigation identified the alleged operators of the trafficking syndicate, a couple residing in Fourth Estate, Brgy. San Antonio, Parañaque City. A subsequent operation led to their successful arrest,” the NBI detailed.

The suspects have faced summary proceedings for violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 among others.

READ: NBI nabs 3 suspects at KTV bar in Pampanga for human trafficking

NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag condemned traffickers and vowed to shut down similar operations in the future.

“Human trafficking is a cruel assault on human dignity, especially when the victims are minors who are robbed of their innocence and future. The NBI will continue to intensify its operations against trafficking syndicates and ensure that those responsible are brought before the law,” Matibag said /gsg