Seventeen women were rescued and two suspected traffickers were arrested in back-to-back entrapment operations in Angeles City on April 11, 2025.
The joint operations were conducted by the Regional Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Group 3 (RATTG 3), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 (RMFB 3), Angeles City Police Office Station 3, and the Angeles City Social Welfare and Development Office.
The first sting took place around 4:00 PM at a steakhouse in Barangay Pulung Maragul, where authorities arrested a 36-year-old suspect, alias “Melissa,” a resident of Sta. Lucia Resettlement in Magalang, Pampanga. Twelve women were rescued from the site after she was caught offering sexual services for money.
A follow-up operation at 5:45 PM in a nearby restaurant within the same barangay led to the arrest of another suspect, alias “Arianna,” from Macapagal Village, Mabalacat City. Five more victims were rescued, allegedly recruited for the same illegal trade.
Both suspects face criminal charges under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. Authorities have requested medical and psychological assessments for the victims and suspects to aid in the investigation and ensure victim care.
Police Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of PRO3, lauded the swift action of the operating teams.
“This is a clear message to those who prey on the vulnerable—your days are numbered,” Fajardo said. “We will not rest until we rid our communities of this vile trade.”
PRO3 reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-trafficking efforts and working closely with partner agencies to bring perpetrators to justice while supporting survivors on the path to recovery.
