THE 37-YEAR-OLD man who earlier filed physical injury charges against Rep. Paolo Duterte is set to be arraigned on July 7, 2025, before the Regional Trial Court Branch 53 in Davao City, for qualified trafficking in persons.
Kristone John Patria, alias Sion, was charged under Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by RA 10364 and RA 11862.
His case stems from a complaint filed with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office after his arrest in an entrapment operation.
Court records indicate that Patria will be arraigned to enter a plea on multiple counts of qualified trafficking after a resolution dated April 28, 2025, found sufficient basis to proceed to trial.
The prosecution alleged that the respondent acted as a pimp by offering women for sexual services, exploiting their vulnerability for profit.
According to the complaint filed by Aaron Paul A. Syboco, Patria offered him so-called “Class A women” for sexual services in exchange for a fee.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) conducted the entrapment operation, which led to the respondent’s arrest in Davao City.
In his findings, Assistant State Prosecutor Borgy Calugay stated that all elements of the crime were established during the inquest proceedings. He said Patria personally recruited the women and brought them to a Davao City hotel on April 25, where he allegedly handed them over to undercover agents posing as clients.
Calugay emphasized that the suspect was caught in flagrante delicto delivering the women and receiving marked money during the sting operation.
Forensic evidence from the initial laboratory report confirmed traces of ultraviolet fluorescent powder on the accused’s hands and the payment used in the transaction. The victims also positively identified Patria as the person who arranged and facilitated the acts.
Prosecutors noted that the use of mobile phones and the involvement of at least three victims elevated the case to qualified trafficking in persons, as defined under Section 6 (c) and (o) of the law. The case is being prosecuted by the Department of Justice, with Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas—chairperson of the DOJ’s Task Force on Anti-Human Trafficking—and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon endorsing the filing of charges in court.
A court staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the accused is expected to be transferred to Davao City before the arraignment date, as the trial will be held locally. Patria previously gained public attention after accusing Duterte of physical injuries and grave threats.
However, authorities emphasized that the current charges are unrelated to that case and stemmed solely from the findings of the CIDG and DOJ-led investigation.
