THE National Bureau of Investigation – Batangas District Office (NBI-BatDO) arrested a suspect identified only as “Azis” for human trafficking, rescuing six victims including three minors.
The operation, conducted on February 18, 2025, was in response to reports of Azis’ involvement in trafficking minors for sexual exploitation in Batangas province, specifically Lipa City.
The operation, overseen by NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), was a collaborative effort involving NBI-BatDO agents, the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), the Office of the City Social Welfare – Batangas City, and the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD).
Azis allegedly offered both male and female victims, including minors, for sexual exploitation for fees ranging from P2,000 to P8,000.
Undercover agents arranged a meeting with Azis to transport victims from Lipa City to Batangas City for sexual exploitation. Azis arrived with six victims at the designated location, offered them to the undercover agents, and received pre-marked money. He was immediately arrested, and the victims were rescued.
Social welfare officers assessed the victims, who were subsequently turned over to the DOJ-IACAT Tahanan ng Inyong Pag-Asa (TIP) Center for processing.
Azis was presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor – Batangas for violating Republic Act 9208, as amended by Republic Act 10364 and Republic Act 11862 (the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022).
