The Pasig City local government has issued a closure order against Zerrin Development Corporation, which operates Bleu Hotel, following a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operation that led to the filing of human trafficking charges involving individuals linked to the family of former lawmaker Mike Defensor.

The closure order, dated 27 April, comes after the NBI conducted a raid last Tuesday at Chicago Nightclub and Bleu Hotel in Pasig City, where agents rescued 54 women allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation.

“The continuation of such unlawful activities within your establishment constitutes grave violation of the conditions of your Business Permit and/or business registration with the BPLD, which requires strict compliance with all applicable laws, local ordinances, and standards of public morals and public orders,” the closure order read.

NBI subsequently filed complaints before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Investigators said the alleged trafficking scheme involved a system where women were recruited and initially presented at a nightclub before being brought to rooms at Bleu Hotel, where sexual services were allegedly carried out. 

Payments reportedly ranged from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000 per transaction, with proceeds distributed among facilitators and other individuals.

Corporate records cited by the NBI showed that Zerrin Development Corp., which operates Bleu Hotel, is registered under the name of Julie Defensor, wife of Mike Defensor, and their daughter, who were later included in the complaints.

However, Julie Defensor, the former congressman's wife, denied the allegations against them, calling it “a deliberate, dangerous, and desperate lie.”

"Stop using me, our daughter, and hundreds of innocent, displaced workers as collateral damage in a dispute that has nothing to do with us," she added.