3 face charges for peddling minor girls for sex

CEBU, Philippines – Three persons are facing charges of qualified trafficking before the Regional Trial Court for allegedly engaging two minors to prostitution.

Prosecutor Rodulph Joseph Carrillo recommended no bail for Teodoro Sarmiento, Noel Lopez and Jane Magallon. The three were arrested during an entrapment operation conducted by the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RATTF) of the Regional Police Office.

Carrillo said evidence against the three respondents are "strong" enough to warrant the filing of charges in court.

In a joint affidavit, RATTF members POI Maria Theresa Macatangay, PO2 Lyman Arsua, PO2 Rodrigo Inoc and PO1 Marciano Parayday said the entrapment operation was conducted along Sanciangko Street around 8pm last October 9.

Arsua and Inoc were the ones who proceeded to the area first and by 9:30 pm, Lopez approached them and asked if they wanted the company of women. After a short talk, Lopez reportedly invited them to a convenience store along Sanciangko Street where they could buy drinks while Lopez gets the women.

Lopez returned around 10 pm and pointed to some girls at a distance. The girls were reportedly "shy" to go near. Lopez reportedly initially asked for P600, but later changed his mind and asked for P1,000. 

Lopez also suggested that Arsua and Inoc proceed to the motel and the girls would just follow them there. The two policemen then proceeded to a motel along V. Rama Avenue and waited for Lopez and the girls.

The policemen said that Lopez arrived with the girls and two other people, identified later as Sarmiento and Magallon, the latter reportedly claiming to be the girls' mother.

After handing over P2,000 to Lopez, the policemen identified themselves and announced that it was an entrapment operation. Sarmiento reportedly attempted to run, but was caught by Inoc.

Parayday, who was on standby, was the one who arrested Lopez who also allegedly attempted to escape.

The policemen said the suspects were read of their rights during the arrest. They said the entrapment operation was authorized by PS/Supt. Louie Oppus, deputy regional director for operations and deputy task force commander of RATTF.

The two minors were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (FREEMAN)