A woman was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged human trafficking, while several minors were rescued during a raid on a massage spa in Davao City.
On 7 October, the NBI-Southern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) conducted the operation at the Heaven Personal Massage Spa on Jacinto Street.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspect as Ramelyn Cemene Sumodong, also known as “Madam Ram,” who was taken into custody for alleged violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10364) in relation to the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act (R.A. No. 7610).
According to the NBI, the operation was initiated after the mother and grandmother of a victim sought help from authorities. They raised concerns after learning that the victim had traveled to Davao City to work at the spa, where minors were reportedly being exploited as sex workers.
An NBI undercover agent posed as a customer and negotiated with “Madam Ram” for illicit services. The arrest was made after the minors were presented and a price of P3,500 was confirmed.
The rescued minors were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for debriefing, medical examination, and psychosocial intervention.
Santiago said that evidence from the scene has been secured for the investigation and prosecution of the case.
