AGENTS of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested four persons for their alleged involvement in human trafficking during a recent operation in Olongapo City.

NBI Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Eric B. Distor identified the suspects as Jackylou Lastimado, Ramil Eterno, Monica Labandelo, and Jesthony Telan.

Their arrest stemmed from an intelligence report provided by Destiny Rescue Filipinas regarding the alleged human trafficking activities of the suspects in the City of Olongapo and nearby municipalities.

According to the report, suspects Lastimado and Corum have been acting as pimps by “offering, promoting, facilitating or inducing minors specifically high school students and out of school youths” to prostitution.

After validating the report, 2 operations in different venues were planned by NBI-Olongapo District Office.

On August 4, 2021, NBI-OLDO conducted 2 simultaneous operations at the agreed meeting place with the poseur-client and suspects in Subic Freeport Zone, Olongapo City.

The operation led to the arrest of the 4 suspects, and rescue of ten (10) trafficked victims, six (6) of whom are minors. The minors were turned- over to the City’s Social Welfare and Drvelopment Office.

The arrested suspects were presented for inquest before the City Prosecutor’s Office of Olongapo City on August 5, 2021 for 5 counts of Human Trafficking under Republic Act 9208 otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and 5 counts for violation of R.A. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas