A foreign national and his cohorts suspected of human trafficking were arrested by authorities in Angeles City during a recent operation.
In the same operation, 12 victims, including five minors, were rescued.
The suspect, identified as Shin Ki Jung, was arrested with his accomplices for violations of R.A. No. 11862 (The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022) and R.A. No. 7610 (The Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).
The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by the husband of one of the trafficked victims, according to the National Bureau of Investigation. He alleged that a certain individual was recruiting women to work as performers in Korea without the necessary permits and licenses from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
Investigation conducted by the agents of NBI-Bataan District Office (NBI-BATADO) revealed that the recruitment process was merely a cover to persuade the victims to work at a club in Angeles City.
Further inquiries indicated that the victims would serve as models and provide entertainment for potential customers, particularly foreign nationals, and would be available for hotel check-ins.
Furthermore, the victims reported that one of the models employed at the said club is a minor. The victims discreetly transmitted to the agents of NBI-BATADO photographs and videos of the club and the alleged minor, thus validating the illegal activity.
On March 6, 2025, the NBI-BATADO in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD), conducted a rescue operation at the said club where they recovered the victims.
The arrested subjects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Angeles City for the above violations of the special law.
NBI Director (Ret.) Judge Jaime B. Santiago commended the agents of NBI-BATADO for their successful rescue operation and the arrest of the subjects.
