10 young human trafficking victim-survivors rescued in La Union capital

Art Dumlao — March 10, 2025

10 young human trafficking victim-survivors rescued in La Union capital

BAGUIO CITY (March 9, 2025)— Ten young women, being offered for paid sex, were rescued last Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in San Fernando City, La Union’s capital. 


Atty. Joel Tovera, National Bureau of Investigation-Region 1 director said, at least two victims admitted they were being offered by their handler— Danica Aliocod alias “Tolits”— for P3,000.00 each for their sexual services. 


Together with social workers from the DSWD-Region 1 and non-government organization Project Rescue Children Philippines In., NBI-Region 1 agents led by Atty. Rhoderick John R. Panay, agent-on-case arranged a meet-up with “Tolits” and her “ward” at a lodging house along barangay San Vicente, San Fernando City.

 

When “Tolits” who arrived 30 minutes earlier at the lodge for the meet up received the payment from the “poseur-customer” who turned out to be NBI agents, 10 young girls showed up giving the signal for government operatives with social workers of the DSWD-Region 1 and NGO Project Rescue Phils., Inc. to close in and announced the former’s arrest.


All the 10 young girls, believed to be at least 18 years old, though still has to be clinically verified through dental examination, were brought by social welfare officers for appropriate intervention.


DSWD has a comprehensive package of services for the recovery and reintegration of trafficked persons.



Atty. Tovera vowed of a continuing campaign against human trafficking alligned with NBI Director, retired Judge Jaime D. Santiago’s directive of a heightened drive versus human trafficking.

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