MANILA, PHILIPPINES— On June 10, in two separate operations conducted simultaneously, the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) partnered with International Justice Mission to safely remove 13 girls and women from the custody of traffickers accused of sexually exploiting them.

In the first case, a tip from an informant alerted IJM investigators to a pimp employing minors as sex workers from a street-side location. The second case was against a bar where minors were being used for commercial sexual exploitation; the case was built by an IJM investigator who collected significant proof of crimes at the bar.

In a single night, NBI officers conducted successful sting operations in both locations. In each operation, NBI forces detained the suspects and ensured that their victims were safely in the custody of government social workers supported by IJM aftercare staff.

Reynaldo Bicol, Director of Legal Intervention for IJM Manila was present at the first operation. He comments, “We are grateful for the chance to intercede and open a new chapter in the girls’ lives — we can tell how relieved they are to be free by their cooperation and willingness to give their statements.” The victims will be supported by IJM Manila’s aftercare team as they begin the process of rehabilitation.

In total, three accused perpetrators have been arrested and charged with violation of Republic Act 9208 (the Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003); this is a non-bailable offense in the Philippines’ anti-trafficking code.

Although the three perpetrators remain in police custody and the victims are sheltered safely, two perpetrators remain at large. It will be a long battle both to support these girls as they heal and to ensure that all criminals involved are brought to justice. IJM Manila is prepared to persevere.