Human trafficking? 2 'gay' teachers detained for 'selling' boys for sex

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two teachers of Hinoba-an town in Negros Occidental were jailed for alleged human trafficking.

The suspects were caught in an entrapment operation for allegedly "selling" young boys to foreigners and tourists for flesh trade, police said.

Elementary school teachers Virgilio Gepilango Jr., 43, and Julius Senlo, 40, and their companion, boatman Eddie de Jose, 58, all residents of Hinoba-an town, have been charged for violation of Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, Sipalay Police chief, said they filed the charges before the Sipalay City Prosecutor's Office Tuesday.

The suspects were arrested in an entrapment operation Monday at Easy Diving Resort in Barangay 4, Sipalay City.

The operation, conducted by operatives of Anti-Human Trafficking Group-Visayas and Sipalay City Police Station, led to the rescue of seven persons, four of them minors, all residents of Hinoba-an.

Acebuche said the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)-Visayas Field Unit in Cebu City, led by Senior Inspector Lawrence Nino Ibo, coordinated with them after they had traced the illegal activity of the suspects through social media.

The operatives monitored the suspects' transaction at a resort in Sipalay City. Acebuche said that on Monday afternoon, the seven victims were transported by the suspects through a motorboat from Hinobaan going to Easy Diving Resort.

The victims were allegedly recruited to be sold to tourists especially foreigners for sex trade. They told the police they were forced by the suspects to perform sexual acts with their customers.

Meanwhile, Acebuche said they are waiting for the court commitment order so they can turn over the suspects to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. — (FREEMAN)