8 trafficking victims rescued in Las Piñas

MANILA, Philippines — Eight alleged victims of human trafficking were rescued yesterday from a wellness spa in Las Piñas City.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said it received a report that the wellness spa in Barangay Pamplona Dos uses therapists to offer sexual services to customers.

Acting on the information, an entrapment operation was hatched by personnel of the SPD and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at around 12:30 a.m.

The operation resulted in the arrest of the spa’s security guard and receptionist.

Authorities said they confiscated three logbooks detailing customer appointments and a whiteboard showing the therapists’ aliases.

Condoms, both used and unused, were also found in the establishment.

The victims are now under the care of DSWD for counseling and evaluation.

The suspects were transferred to the SPD pending the filing of charges against them.

Police have launched a manhunt for the owner of the wellness spa, who remains at large.