- NBI XI arrests 34-year-old man for alleged trafficking and child abuse
A 34-YEAR-OLD foreign national was arrested on Thursday afternoon for alleged child trafficking and child abuse of four young women, including three minors.
The arrest was made during an operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation XI (NBI XI) at a hotel in Crocodile Park, Ma-a, Davao City.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, June 27, NBI XI agent Vicente Essex Minguez said they received a tip from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on the suspect, who was observed with four young women at the hotel.
Following a surveillance operation, NBI agents, accompanied by hotel management, entered the suspect’s room and found him with the women in separate rooms.
He said the group had checked in on June 20 and was scheduled to check out on the day of the arrest.
The suspect and victims were taken to the NBI XI office. His identity won’t be disclosed until the formal charges are filed.
Minguez stated that initial information suggested the suspect was acquainted with one of the young women.
Moreover, the NBI plans to examine the suspect’s and victims’ belongings, including the suspect’s laptop, for further evidence.
Also, the agency will file charges of child trafficking and violation of the Child Abuse Law (RA 7610) against the foreign national on Friday.
Meanwhile, the suspect’s lawyer declined to comment on the case.
The suspect is being held at the NBI office, and the rescued minors will be placed under the protective custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI (DSWD XI) where they will receive psycho-social intervention.
