5 women saved from KTV bar

CEBU - Operatives of the Regional Special Investigation Unit-7 raided a KTV bar in barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, midnight the other night and arrested three people for allegedly exploiting five females, one of them a minor.

Police identified those arrested as Bener Yorong, 44, owner of YBP KTV bar; Nilda Cabatino, 25, cashier; and Lisa Morre, 22, assistant manager of the bar.

The said operation was conducted by the joint elements of RSIU-7, Women’s and Children Protection Desk, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and led by Detection Management Division chief Sr. Supt. Arturo Evangelista.

Earlier, RSIU member PO1 Ariel Llanes acted as customer was able to arrange to have the company of one of the girls for P1,500 used as bait. After the deal was sealed the teams immediately barged into the said establishment and rescued the victims.

The oldest was 32 years old while the youngest was only 17.

Evangelista said that the said bar had been placed under surveillance since the start of the month following reports it served as a front for prostitution.

Evangelista said that DWCPD under RIDMD was mandated to conduct the operation.

“We could have done this a long time ago but because of personal constraints, it was only last night that the raid was conducted,” Evangelista said.

Aside from the bait money recovered from Morre, the raiders also found 255 unused condoms, P671.75 in cash, three mobile phones and a set of sexy costume for dancers. The suspects are now temporarily detained for pending documentation and proper disposition while the victims were turned over to DSWD-7.

They will be charged for the violation of Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Human Trafficking Law.

Evangelista said for now they are conducting similar operations in Cebu only, but they plan to expand their jurisdiction to the cities of Tagbilaran and Dumaguete.

“Our objective here is to rescue individuals especially minors who are being exploited by illegal recruiters,” Evangelista said. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)