Human trafficking raps filed against American, mother of 2 teen girls

Charges of human trafficking and child abuse were filed yesterday against the American national who was arrested in Pelaez Street, Cebu City with his Cebuana girlfriend.

The 46-year-old American, who is accused of trying to engage the woman’s two teenage daughters in prostitution, was given until Aug. 17 to file a counteraffidavit.

The mother was also charged with child abuse in relation to Republic Act (RA) 9231 or the law eliminating child labor, as well as human trafficking.

Meanwhile, the 14-year-old daughter defender her detained mother.

She told social workers her mother loved her and was always with her.

Edna Regudo, social worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas, said she would recommend a medical examination for the girl and her 15-year-old sister to determine if they were sexually abused.

The adult couple were arrested on Wednesday night after the woman’s own mother complained about her activities.

The arrested woman denied any wrongdoing. She said her parents just disapproved of her relationship with the American.

The couple was brought to the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office for an inquest proceeding yesterday and was assisted by lawyer Louie Arma.

The American is facing charges of human trafficking in RA 9208, child abuse in relation to RA 9231 and violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, and direct assault.

The confidentiality provisions in the special law on human trafficking prohibit the identification of both the victims and the accused in the media.

The couple were arrested by members of the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force in Pelaez Street, barangay Sta. Cruz, Cebu City last Wednesday night.

Police rescued the woman’s two teenage daughters and another 4-year-old girl, all children from a previous relationship.

The rescued girls were turned over to social workers.