The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a South Korean national and rescued 12 females, five of them minors, from a sex trafficking operation in Pampanga.

The South Korean was identified as Shin Ki Jung who was arrested by NBI operatives in Angeles City last 6 March.

Report showed the operation was conducted by the NBI-Bataan District Office (NBI-BATADO) in coordination with the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) and the Philippine National Police.

Charges for violations of Republic Act 11862, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, and RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act was filed against Shin.

The NBI said “the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by the husband of one of the trafficked victims.”

The husband 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.”

It also said investigation conducted by the agents of NBI-BATADO revealed that the recruitment process was merely a cover to persuade the victims to work at a club in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Further inquiries conducted by the NBI agents showed that the victims would serve as models and provide entertainment for potential customers, particularly foreign nationals, and would be available for hotel check-ins.