Law enforcement authorities have arrested a man for human trafficking and rescued three minors in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced.

The operation took place last week in a hotel where the suspect allegedly offered sexual services of three female victims aged 15 to 18 to an undercover agent.

NBI agents arrested the man after he reportedly demanded P4,000 pesos for two of the victims, the NBI said.

The minors were taken to the NBI MIMAROPA Regional Office where they gave statements under the supervision of social workers from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

The suspect faces charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The arrest comes amid intensified campaign to combat human trafficking across the country.

In a separate case, authorities have filed charges against multiple individuals linked to alleged trafficking operations at a compound in Tarlac province.

The investigation involves several companies, including firms connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which have faced increasing scrutiny for alleged links to criminal activities.

PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said: “The long arm of the law will catch you and bring you to justice. The PNP remains steadfast in safeguarding the rights and welfare of every individual.”

Human trafficking remains a major issue in the country, with an estimated 784,000 people trapped in modern slavery, according to the Global Slavery Index.

Despite being recognized as a Tier 1 nation in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, the Philippines reported more than 1,200 trafficking cases in 2023.

Experts say poverty, limited job opportunities and geographic isolation make provinces like Oriental Mindoro particularly vulnerable to trafficking networks.

Photo: courtesy of NBI Mimaropa