Navotas cops rescue 4 girls from nightspot

MANILA, Philippines - The Navotas City police rescued during an operation Monday four under-aged girls from a newly opened nightclub in Bulacan.

PO3 Arlene Alvero, chief of the Navotas City police station women and children’s protection unit, said the girls’ alleged recruiter, Winnie Bunao, 37, was arrested.

Bunao was charged with human trafficking and abuse of children before the office of city prosecutor Ojer Paces and remained locked up at the city police detention cell with no bail recommended for her temporary liberty. Bunao reportedly convinced her four young neighbors, two 15 years old, one 14, and another 13, in Barangay Daanghari in Navotas City to go with her in Bulacan Sunday night.

But the girls were surprised when Bunao brought them to a nightspot in Barangay Sto. Nino, Mecauayan, Bulacan and endorsed them to one Paula Bandol, the alleged owner of the club. The girls told the police that after receiving money from Bandol, Bunao brought them to a room and she left.

The victims were later forced by Bandol to go out of the room and entertain customers but the girls refused and locked themselves inside. At around 6:30 a.m. the following day, the victims’ parents, through the help of another neighbor who last saw Bunao and the victims, arrived at the nightclub with the police.

“The girls were rescued and Bunao was apprehended but Bandol eluded arrest,” Alvero told The STAR.   – Pete Laude