Human traffickers fall

The National Bureau of Investigation-Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (NBI-OTCD) arrested four individuals in Makati City for human trafficking.

In a statement, the NBI disclosed that the OTCD received information regarding a certain establishment allegedly involved in trafficking women, some of whom are minors.

Acting on the information, an entrapment and rescue operation was hatched in coordination with the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD), NBI-Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD), Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DoJ-IACAT) and a non-governmental organization that partners with law enforcement to locate and rescue trafficked individuals.

Last 7 March 2025, joint operatives proceeded to the establishment and upon entering, they identified themselves, explained the purpose of the operation, and informed the occupants that the operation was being recorded through the use of body-worn cameras.

The next day, 102 Customer Care Assistants (CCAs)/victims were interviewed, profiled and assessed by the MSWD and were turned over to the Social Workers of their respective local government units (LGUs).

At least six CCAs voluntarily gave their sworn statements to the NBI, which confirmed the existence of sexual offers and activities given to the establishment’s customers for a fee.

Consequently, the operators of the establishment, identified as pimps who facilitated the show-up of around 100 CCAs to the poseurs — as well as one individual who received the payment for the selected CCAs from the poseur customer — were placed under arrest.

Authorities identified them as Carl Javier alias “Mommy Carlie,” Arlene Catipay alias “Mommy Arlene,” Nancy Hipolito alias “Mommy Andy” and Danica Abila alias “Mommy Mika.”

The arrested individuals were presented for inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office of Makati City on 10 March 2025 for violation Section 4(a) of RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012).

They were turned over to NBI Detention Facility located at Building 14, New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City.