MANILA, Philippines - Police announced on Thursday the arrest of five persons, including two Koreans, for allegedly operating a mail-to-order bride scheme in Cavite.
Police Chief Superintendent Francisco Uyami, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, identified the suspects as Kim Yoon Seok, a retired South Korean soldier; and Soo Chae Kim, an engineer; who both reside at Charbell Village in Dasmarinas, Cavite.
The three other suspects were Filipino accomplices Sherwin Belar and Imelda Fabella, both of Angela Village II, Bacoor Cavite; and Edgardo Salazar of Central Bicutan, Taguig City.
The arrest was made by a joint team from the Commission on Overseas Filipino, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Division, Uyami said.
In a report to Uyami, Police Senior Superintendent Alex Sintin, ATCD chief, said authorities also rescued 30 young women, including a 16-year-old minor from Caloocan City.
Sintin said the scheme by Fabella and her live in partner Kim enticed Filipino females into contracting marriage with their Korean clients. The suspects also promised them help to get out of poverty.
Sintin said the suspects arranged for Koreans to come to the Philippines and choose among a bride among the Filipinas under their custody.
Seized at the Korean's residence were a Starex van, a Honda CRV and a Nissan SUV, together with boxes of marriage contracts, three dry seals they use in their documentation, passports and IDs.
The suspects are now facing of charges for violation of RA 9208 amended by RA l0364 (Expanded Trafficking in Person) and RA 6955 (Mail Order Bride).