Anti-trafficking raid in Pasay tied to Mike Defensor’s family – NBI

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:14 p.m.) — The National Bureau of Investigation has linked a Pasay-based anti-trafficking operation to the family of former lawmaker Mike Defensor.

In a statement Friday, April 24, the NBI said the information is part of an ongoing probe that found corporate records on establishments registered under Defensor's wife, Julie Rose T. Defensor, and son, Miguel.

The bureau said it rescued 54 women and arrested several individuals in an operation targeting a suspected trafficking network operating through Chicago Nightclub and Bleu Hotel.

Alleged trafficking scheme

Authorities said surveillance and case build-up pointed to a system in which women were allegedly recruited and exploited for sexual services.

Customers were first entertained at Chicao Nightclub through a “line-up” system they were brought to Bleu Hotel rooms, where the transactions were allegedly completed.

Investigators said payments ranged from about P5,000 to P15,000 per encounter, with proceeds allegedly shared among facilitators, managers and others involved.

Recovered during the operation were marked money, suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and documents linked to the alleged activities.

Those arrested included managers, officers, facilitators and customers. They facing complaints for violations of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, the NBI said.

The raid, conducted on Monday, April 21, involved the NBI Special Task Group and the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other agencies.

Family link under probe

The NBI said the identification of the owners is part of the investigation and does not by itself prove involvement in the alleged crimes.

The rescued women have been turned over to social welfare authorities for assistance and protection.

The NBI said it will continue efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and pursue those responsible in accordance with the law.

The former congressman himself is facing criminal charges alongside 18 supposed former Marines and lawyer Levito Baligod over their public accusations against Eduardo Año, the Marcos administration's national security adviser who recently stepped down from his post.

Mike Defensor is also a known critic of the government, having expressed support for fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who faces corruption-related charges in the Philippines. — reports from Ian Laqui