5 trafficked women rescued

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) rescued five women who were victims of human trafficking in Bauang, La Union on Tuesday night.

The women, aged 21 to 28 years, were reportedly being asked to render sex services by Emmanuel Diongon and his partner for P1,500-P2,000.

Reports said the transactions were usually conducted near a convenience store in Barangay Poro Point, San Fernando City.

The suspects were placed under surveillance for several days after the NBI received information about their illegal activities.

An entrapment operation was conducted in a hotel in Bauang, where the suspects brought the five women to two NBI agents, who posed as customers.

The suspects were collared as soon as they received the marked money from the NBI undercover agents.

Diongon and his companion were brought to the NBI-Ilocos region office for questioning.

Charges for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law will be filed against the suspects, the NBI said.

The women were turned over to the DSWD for proper disposition.

Several months ago, the NBI rescued more than a dozen women from entertainment bars that were used as front for illegal sex trade in Agoo, La Union and Urdaneta in Pangasinan.