THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally filed criminal charges against the wife and son of former Representative Mike Defensor over their alleged involvement in a large-scale human trafficking operation.
This was confirmed by NBI Director Melvin Matibag in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Friday, marking a major development in the agency’s crackdown against illegal activities that exploit vulnerable individuals.
Filed before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office last Thursday, the complaint accuses Julie Defensor and Miguel Defensor, along with several other individuals, of violating the provisions of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
According to the findings of the investigation, the two respondents hold ownership over the hotel premises where the illegal operations were being carried out, making them key persons of interest in the case. Authorities emphasized that the establishment served as the venue where unlawful acts and abuses against victims reportedly took place.
The case stemmed from a recent raid conducted by NBI operatives on a disco bar operating within the same area in Pasig City. During the operation, agents successfully rescued a total of 54 women who were found to be victims of exploitation. Investigations revealed that the victims were being presented and hired under the guise of being “customer care assistants” but were actually forced or coerced into providing sexual services in exchange for fees ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 per transaction.
Authorities noted that the filing of charges is part of the government’s intensified efforts to hold accountable not only the direct perpetrators but also those who facilitate or profit from such illegal activities through ownership or management of establishments used for these purposes.
The respondents are now set to face preliminary investigation, where they will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations filed against them by the NBI.
metrosundaily
