Davao City Regional Trial Court Proceedings Scheduled
The Davao City Regional Trial Court is preparing to arraign Kristone John P. Moreno, a businessman who previously accused Rep. Paolo Duterte of physical assault and grave threat. Scheduled for July 7, this arraignment will address formal charges filed against Moreno under the expanded anti-trafficking in persons laws.
According to the court’s calendar, Moreno, also known as “Sion,” will enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty during this hearing. Sources noted that although the charges were filed in Manila, the accused should be transferred to Davao City, where his case hearing will take place.
Charges Under Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Laws
Moreno faces serious allegations involving violations of Republic Act 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended by Republic Act 10364 and RA 11862. The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) brought Moreno to the Davao City prosecutor’s office for inquest proceedings after a complaint was filed by Aaron Paul A. Syboco, who reported Moreno’s involvement in pimping activities.
Syboco claimed that Moreno acted as a pimp, offering “Class A Women” for sexual services in exchange for payment. Evidence showed that Moreno recruited victims and brought them to a Davao City hotel on April 25 to provide sexual services. The victims identified Moreno as their recruiter, revealing exploitation and payment arrangements with male clients.
Evidence and Legal Assessment
Assistant State Prosecutor Borgy Calugay stated that all elements of qualified trafficking in persons were established by the CIDG evidence. Moreno’s actions fall under Section 4(a) of RA 9208, covering prostitution and sexual exploitation. Furthermore, Moreno was caught in flagrante delicto during the entrapment operation, where he delivered three women to undercover agents and received payment.
Laboratory tests detected ultraviolet fluorescent powder on Moreno’s hands and the money used in the operation, confirming the entrapment details. Calugay emphasized that the crime involved a large-scale operation affecting multiple victims and utilized a cellular phone to facilitate the trafficking, qualifying the offense under Sections 6(c) and (o) of RA 9208.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The prosecutor’s office, led by Calugay, Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas, and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, recommended filing charges against Moreno. This move aims to hold him accountable under the expanded anti-trafficking in persons laws and ensure justice for the victims.
For more news and updates on expanded anti-trafficking in persons, visit Filipinokami.com.