MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-three women, including 11 minors, have been rescued from a sex trafficking ring in Tondo, Manila.
Three suspects were arrested at a resort in Barangay 171 following reports of sex crimes involving minors aged 13 to 17.
Anne Monalissa Sigua Co, Ravenpaul Dayrit Sanchez and another suspect known only as Pearl were arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents during the Nov. 13 operation.
The suspects allegedly sold the victims for sexual services through social media platforms such as Messenger, Viber and Telegram.
Fees reportedly ranged from P8,000 to P15,000.
Surveillance confirmed that the suspects maintained, harbored and delivered victims for sexual exploitation, often involving abuse and violence, in exchange for money, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said.
Charges of trafficking, child abuse and online sexual exploitation of children were filed against the suspects.