OPERATIVES of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) arrested five operators of two online prostitution dens and rescued 10 of their victims in simultaneous raids in Lucena City and Tayabas, Quezon.
The operations were conducted at around 8:30 p.m. last Saturday by virtue of warrants to search, seize and examine data issued by a Laguna court, the ACG said.
“It (operations) stemmed from the information received that an online prostitution den operates in the suspects’ residence,” the ACG said in a statement.
After cyber patrolling, surveillance, and online investigation, the ACG applied for the cyber warrants.
“Evidence gathered during the operation revealed that the rescued individuals were involved in online prostitution through a website, primarily serving foreign customers,” the ACG said.
“The system of the said website was designed to automatically decline login attempts from local Philippine credit cards,” the ACG added.
The ACG said the suspects (one female and four males) were arrested during the raid of a prostitution den in Tayabas. Four victims were rescued (two minor females and two adult males).
The six other victims were rescued at the prostitution den in Lucena City (three minor males and three adult males).
ACG Director Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said the ACG will remain unrelenting in its efforts to ensure cybercriminals are brought to justice.
Cariaga appealed to victims of such activities to report their ordeal to authorities.
“If you are a victim of human trafficking or have any information on the existence of human trafficking, report it immediately to the PNP ACG for prompt action,” Cariaga said.
