NBI defends Pasig nightclub raid, denies political motive

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Saturday maintained that its raid on a Pasig City nightclub linked to the Defensor family was a legitimate law enforcement operation, dismissing claims that it was politically motivated.

In a news forum, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the operation at Chicago Nightclub was a “rescue and entrapment” mission carried out in coordination with the Pasig City government, following intelligence reports of alleged sexual exploitation of women.

According to Matibag, the operation stemmed from reports that women working in the club were being exploited.

He denied accusations from the Defensors that the raid was a political attack, saying it was they who were bringing politics into the issue.

“I challenge Mike Defensor and his wife: let’s not bring this into politics, and don’t say that I dragged your family into politics. You are the ones who put your family in that kind of business,” Matibag said.

The NBI has filed complaints for human trafficking and drug violations against Julie and Miguel Defensor, the wife and daughter of former congressman Mike Defensor, in connection with the raid.

Authorities alleged that Chicago Nightclub was engaged in sex trade activities, with women reportedly brought to Bleu Hotel—said to be connected to the club—where sexual services were allegedly carried out.

Matibag said Bleu Hotel is owned by Zerrin Development Corp., where Julie Defensor serves as chairperson and Miguel Defensor as treasurer.

He added that Chicago Nightclub has a lease agreement with the same company, noting that the NBI possesses a 2025 lease contract signed by Julie Defensor.

Under the Rules of Court, Matibag emphasized, documentary evidence carries weight unless proven otherwise.

He added that the records in the NBI’s possession were obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Pasig City government.

Matibag also pushed back against claims that the operation was politically driven, saying the agency was merely fulfilling its mandate.

“It is not the NBI’s fault that your wife and daughter were implicated because they were placed in that line of business where accountability is required,” he said.

He further disclosed that the raided establishments were located in Cliffpoint Square, and that Cliffpoint Development Corp.—where Mike Defensor serves as chair—shares interlocking directors and officers with the nightclub.

The NBI is now examining whether sufficient evidence exists to include the former lawmaker in the complaints.

“We are looking into the ties between Cliffpoint Development Corporation and him, since there are interlocking relationships. If we have sufficient evidence to show that they are essentially one group operating as a single operation, we will not hesitate to include him,” Matibag said.

In an earlier statement, Julie Defensor denied any involvement in the nightclub’s operations, calling allegations linking her family to the case “a deliberate, dangerous, and desperate lie.”

She also accused authorities of subjecting her family to a “relentless pattern of harassment” and political attacks, urging Matibag to stop dragging her and her daughter into the issue if he has grievances against her husband.