Police raid Taguig spa; 13 rescued

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities on Tuesday night rescued five minors and eight adults during a raid on a spa in Taguig for alleged involvement in a human trafficking scheme.

Police arrested the two spa owners, identified only as Rafael and Riza, both from Masantol, Pampanga.

According to Capt. Darwin Salvador, who heads the Taguig police station’s intelligence section, the spa started the human trafficking scheme in January 2024.

Among the rescued victims are the owners’ child and relatives, therapists working for the establishment disguised as a wellness center, and a person with disability.

“We validated that the spa has been offering extra service during surveillance and actual operation,” Salvador told reporters.

The spa owners will face charges of human trafficking. The victims were referred to the social welfare department office in Taguig.