MANILA, Philippines — Five massage therapists were rescued during a raid on a prostitution den masquerading as a massage parlor in San Juan on Thursday.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and city police chief Col. Jaime Santos led the raid on Zara Wellness Spa along N. Domingo street in Barangay Pedro Cruz at around 10:15 p.m.
Four women aged 23 to 32 and an 18-year-old transgender woman, believed to be massage therapists moonlighting as sex workers, were rescued and brought to the city social welfare and development office for counselling.
Santos said other workers escaped as police officers were approaching the spa.
The owner of the spa, identified as Wendy Dolor, was not present during the raid. She is facing charges of human trafficking.
Zamora said the spa was placed under surveillance for two weeks after police received reports its massage therapists offer sexual services for P2,000.
Zamora said they will intensify their surveillance operations on other spas reportedly being used as prostitution dens.