Couple faces complaint for qualified trafficking

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation-7 yesterday filed a criminal complaint for qualified trafficking in persons against a couple arrested during a raid in Laguna, where a 17-year-old girl from Camotes Island and two other minors were rescued.

Respondents Nelson and Mheann Lacsa, residents of Barangay Patimbao, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, signed a waiver of detention to avail of a preliminary investigation.

Assistant city prosecutor Russell Busico gave the respondents 15 days to submit their counter-affidavit.

Agent Agapito Gierran, who led the operation, said criminal complaints were also filed against Domingo and Patricia Malaza, owners of the bar where the minors were rescued, alleged recruiters Carmel Mae Bensig of Camotes Island, and Nicole Bensig.

Joint operatives of the NBI-7 and the Anti-Human Trafficking Division in Manila raided Saturday the restobar operated by the suspects in Laguna based on the complaint filed by the mother of the minor from Camotes.

The minor was reportedly recruited to work as saleslady but ended up being “sex entertainer” in a restobar. The mother of the victim sought the assistance of the NBI upon learning of the plight of her daughter.

The mother said she did not have any idea that her daughter was brought in Manila. She said she thought that her daughter was babysitting in Cebu City.

The victim confessed that she and the other entertainers were asked to offer sexual services to customers at the restobar for P2,000. Half of the amount will go to the owner of the bar. — (FREEMAN)