2 teachers, boatman nabbed for trafficking

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Three persons, including two public elementary school teachers, have been arrested for allegedly offering boys for sex to foreigners in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

The suspects, identified as Virgilio Gepilango Jr. and Julius Senlo, and boatman Eddie de Jose, 58, were arrested in an entrapment at a diving resort in Barangay 4.

The operation resulted in the rescue of seven persons, including four minors.

Gepilango and Senlo were said to be teachers of a public elementary school in nearby Hinobaan town.

Charges for violating Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 were filed against the suspects before the Sipalay Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, according to city police chief Superintendent Luisito Acebuche.

Reports said the suspects brought the seven victims from Hinobaan to the resort on a motorboat.

The victims told police that the suspects allegedly forced them to engage in sex with their customers.

Acebuche said they are waiting for a court order for the turnover of the suspects to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.