Two pimps arrested, charged in court

CEBU, Philippines -Two residents of Cebu City are facing charges in court for pimping women for sex.

State Prosecutor Ruso Zaragosa held Frankie Basea, 34, a resident of Sitio Proper, Ermita, Cebu City, for trial after finding probable cause to charge him for violating Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

He recommended P200,000 bail for Basea’s temporary liberty.

The case against Basea was elevated to court after he waived his right to a preliminary investigation. He manifested that he will face the charges directly in court.

In their joint affidavit, PO3 Jerry Genelaso, PO3 Jepthah Jumawan, PO2 Jomarie Jay Montecino, PO2 Nelson Gabucan, and PO2 Glenn Surban alleged that on December 2, 2014 they were patrolling in civilian attire on board a civilian vehicle when alleged pimps and prostitutes blocked their car and offered them women for sexual services.

Thereafter, their team conducted an entrapment operation of all the pimps and prostitutes along Juana Osmeña Sreet, J. Llorente Street, and Ma. Cristina St. in Barangays Kamputhaw and Capitol Site.

At around 3 a.m. on December 3, police positioned a decoy at the corner of Juana Osmeña and J. Llorente in Capitol Site.

It was only a matter of time before Surban, the decoy customer, was approached by Basea. When asked how much the girls’ services were worth, Basea signaled to the alleged prostitutes to approach him.

When he accepted a P500 payment, Basea was placed under arrest as two women, ages 27 and 30, were rescued.

Meanwhile, Zaragoza held Celine Ligtas Medrano, 32, a resident of V. Rama, Calamba, Cebu City for trial for a violation of Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. He recommended P200,000 bail for her temporary liberty.

Medrano was arrested on December 3, 2014.

Gabucan who acted as decoy said Medrano allegedly offered the services of women ages 35 and 33 who were standing by at a coffee shop. Policemen arrested Medrano after the transaction was consummated. — Mylen P. Manto/JMO (FREEMAN)