NBI nabs 3 for organ trafficking; 9 rescued

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested yesterday three suspects allegedly involved in organ trafficking and rescued nine victims in an operation in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The suspects were Angela Atayde, Marichu Lomibao and Dannel Sicat. Their alleged cohort, Allan Ligaya, said to be a nurse at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, remains at large.

NBI chief Jaime Santiago said they conducted the operation after receiving information that the suspects were engaged in organ trafficking.

The suspects reportedly recruited the victims and facilitated the sale of their kidneys in exchange for P200,000.

Charges of violating Republic Act 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Human Trafficking Act will be filed against the suspects.