Human trafficking suspect nabbed in Navotas

MANILA, Philippines – Malabon City police officers arrested a man accused of 12 counts of human trafficking during an operation in Navotas City Sunday night.

Chief Inspector Realito Esperida, Malabon City police investigation chief, identified the suspect as Erick John Caranglan, 25, a resident of Barangay Tangos, Navotas City.

“The suspect is charged with human trafficking in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the anti-child abuse law,” Police Officer 2 Rommel Habig of the Malabon City police investigation unit said.

Habig and PO2 Marlon Garcia apprehended Caranglan along Roldan street in Navotas City through a warrant of arrest for 12 counts of qualified trafficking of persons issued by Judge Carlos Flores of Malabon City Regional Trial Court Branch 73 at around 6:45 p.m.

Habig said it took them more than three weeks of “painstaking” legwork before they were able to arrest Caranglan after one of the complainants informed them that the suspect was “spotted” in Navotas City.

Asked for the details of the case, Habig referred The STAR to the complainant who spotted Caranglan.The complainant, however, declined to answer questions, claiming the “incident was scandalous.”

Caranglan was detained, with no bail, at the local police detention cell. He will be turned over to the Malabon City Jail once the court issues a commitment order.