DAVAO CITY — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have arrested a woman accused of human trafficking and rescued several minors during a raid on a massage spa in the city.

The operation, carried out on 7 October by the NBI–Southern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO), took place at the Heaven Personal Massage Spa along Jacinto Street.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspect as Ramelyn Cemene Sumodong, also known as “Madam Ram.” She was taken into custody for alleged violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10364), in relation to the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610).

Authorities said the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by the mother and grandmother of one of the victims. They sought NBI’s help after learning that their relative had traveled to Davao City to work at the spa, only to later discover that minors were being exploited as sex workers.

An undercover NBI agent posed as a customer and negotiated with “Madam Ram” for illicit services. The sting led to her arrest after minors were presented and a price of ₱P3,500 was agreed upon.

The rescued minors have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for debriefing, medical examination and psychosocial intervention.

Santiago said evidence recovered from the spa will be used in building the case against Sumodong and in identifying other possible accomplices.