Against massage parlor owner, manager: Trafficking charges filed

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities from Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) filed charges for human trafficking yesterday afternoon against the general manager and the owner of the massage parlor that allegedly offered “extra service” to customers.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Erlinda Mayam, WCPD chief, they filed charges for violation of Republic Act 9208 in relation to RA 10364 also known as the Expanded Anti-trafficking in Persons Act, yesterday afternoon against massage parlor general manager Emelita Orang, 32, and the owner, Korean national Kim Jong Pyo, 44.

Ten massage therapists were rescued during the entrapment operation against the massage parlor last Wednesday afternoon.

In an interview with the reporters, Orang said that she did not know that the rescued massage therapists were offering extra services and added that the parlor did not earn any income from such services.

"Kini nga operation amo kini nga gipahingusgan kay aduna kami na-receive na information ba nga kana nga certain spa, gigamit siya as prostitution den pinaagi sa pag-offer ug mga extra service sa ilahang costumers," Mayam said.

Mayam further said that the operation was conducted after surveillance and case buildup.

After the initial interrogation, Mayam said that Kim denied being involved in the offer of extra services. With this, Mayam said that it will be the court that will decide their fate.

The rescued women were turned over to the WCPD while both of the arrested suspects are now detained at the CCPO.  BRP (FREEMAN)