NBI Rescues Human Trafficking Victims in Pangasinan
On August 12, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) successfully rescued two human trafficking victims in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. The agency acted swiftly after the victims’ relatives reached out for help, revealing that the two individuals were held captive by a syndicate involved in human trafficking, officials reported.
Relatives Seek Help Amid Distress
According to sources, the relatives received alarming messages from the victims, prompting them to seek assistance from the NBI. The agency responded promptly, confirming the victims were under the control of a trafficking syndicate exploiting them for illegal activities.
Rescue Operation at 178 KTV Bar
The victims were found and rescued at the 178 KTV Bar in Urdaneta City. Upon rescue, they were immediately turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper care and rehabilitation, community members said.
Deceptive Recruitment and Exploitation
Investigations revealed that the victims, along with 12 other women, were initially hired as waitresses at Mahogany KTV Bar in La Union. However, instead of performing their expected roles, they were coerced and exploited as female entertainers. The women were forced to provide sexual services to male customers, a practice officials condemned.
Threats and Forced Servitude
Later, the victims and their clients were transferred to the 178 KTV Bar in Urdaneta City. There, they faced severe intimidation, including threats involving gunfire if they attempted to escape. This information was confirmed by the NBI during the ongoing investigation.
Broken Promises and Illegal Agreements
The victims shared that they were recruited online with promises of a P20,000 monthly salary. Unfortunately, none of the promised payments were received. They were also forced to sign contracts claiming they owed debts to the KTV bar, which prevented them from leaving until these supposed debts were fully settled.
Continuing Efforts to Rescue Others and Investigate Syndicate
The NBI has announced plans to rescue the remaining 12 women still trapped in similar conditions. Authorities are also intensifying efforts to investigate and hold accountable the recruiters and owners of the implicated KTV bars, according to local leaders involved in the case.
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