NBI nabs 7 trafficking suspects in Parañaque

MANILA, Philippines — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have arrested seven people and rescued 12 trafficking victims, including minors and an infant, during a series of operations in Parañaque City.

The operations stemmed from information provided by a non-government organization regarding a group allegedly exploiting minors through supposed spa and wellness services.

Investigators said the suspects offered the victims to clients as “therapists” for so-called “nuru ” and “lingam” massages, which allegedly involved sexual services for money.

Agents of the NBI homicide division conducted surveillance and coordinated with the suspects online before identifying Rainbow Spa in Parañaque where the illegal activities were allegedly taking place.

During an entrapment operation, the NBI personnel were allegedly offered female therapists and brought to an apartelle where authorities carried out the arrest after marked money was handed over to the suspects.

The NBI said two men responsible for transporting the minor victims were arrested.

Authorities then raided a house at a village in Parañaque, leading to the arrest of two more suspects and the rescue of eight additional victims.

Follow-up operations led to the arrest of a couple allegedly operating the trafficking ring in Fourth Estate, Barangay San Antonio.

Another operation in Pasay City resulted in the rescue of a minor and the arrest of her male client, the NBI said.