13 saved from human trafficking in Catanduanes

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – At least 13 Negrenses, including 3 minors, were rescued from human trafficking in Catanduanes.

Eight of those who were rescued were brought to Negros Occidental Friday, June 5, while the other 5 were placed under the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice in Catanduanes.

EB Magalona Mayor David Lacson identified the victims’ recruiter as Christina Prano Yao, 31, of Barangay Tuboran, in the town.

Yao was charged with  two counts of human trafficking, 3 counts of qualified human trafficking, 3 counts of violation of Republic Act 9231 or the Anti-Child Labor  Law, and 3 counts of violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

She is detained at the Virac Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Of the 13 victims, 9 were women. Twelve are from EB Magalona, and the other one, from Victorias City.

The suspect allegedly lured the victims  to Catanduanes with jobs as cooks, waitresses, and house helpers with a P5,000 ($110)-salary. They were recruited on April 24, 2015.

But when the victims arrived in Virac town, Catanduanes, some of them were forced to engage in prostitution while some were forced to be guest relations officers in a bar.

On May 21, one of the victims sought the help of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in Catanduanes, which led to the arrest of the suspect and their rescue.

Lacson assured the victims of assistance, and warned his constituents against illegal recruiters. – Rappler.com

$1 = P45