An intensive entrapment operation of the Valenzuela City Police successfully apprehends a suspected major player in human trafficking syndication, which resulted to the rescue of nine women – including a minor – bound to be transported to a prostitution den in Coron, Palawan.

The suspect, Neville Tañag alias “K.Y.”, was arrested by police operatives at the Pier 2 of the North Harbor in Manila in the act of preparing recruits to be transported via sea travel. A thread of text messages between “K.Y.” and an undercover policewoman posing as a recruit contains an exchange of information that details the process of recruiting female targets intended for the prostitution den. One of the rescued women was of minor age and a resident of Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City

Valenzuela City Police Chief, P/SSUPT Eric Serafin Reyes, described the operation as a “tedious, well-organized attempt to curb human trafficking syndicates that threaten the safety and security of women and children, particularly, the Valenzuela City residents.”

Since receiving a complaint as early as November last year, Valenzuela City Police took the case based on the information given by a resident of Barangay Arkong Bato who was misled into working as a prostitute by the syndicate ring.

“This group recruits women by tempting them with offers they cannot refuse. They are lured with promises of huge income. Some were even recruited by people they know,” the Police Chief said.

After gathering the necessary information, police operatives planned the series of service of arrest orders and sting operations against the perpetrators of the criminal act, a joint operation conducted by the Special Project Unit, Warrant and Subpoena Section, Women and Children’s Protection Desk, together with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Legal Office led to “K.Y.’s” apprehension.

The mission is a statement of the Valenzuela City Police’s war waged against criminal elements in the locality. Police Chief Inspector Danilo Bugay, Head of the Station Investigation and Detective Management Branch (SIDMB) of the Valenzuela City Police Station, lauds City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian’s outright support to the local police. “The local government’s full backing to the police force boost up our morale and encourages us to pay back by providing quality service to the community,” P/CINSP Bugay said.

Police assets have identified a certain Glo “Mommy Glo” Tañag, her son, “K.Y.”, and Melanie “Melai” Abinir as the primary suspects involved in the human trafficking operation. A warrant of arrest for Mrs. Tañag and “Melai” Abinir was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 270 Presiding Judge, Honorable Evangeline M. Francisco for violation of Republic Act 9208 or the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003” with no bail recommended.

Suspect “K.Y.” is presently detained at the Valenzuela City Police Station, while “Mommy Glo” and “Melai” Abenir are still being tracked down. A case had been filed against “K.Y.” at the Valenzuela City Prosecutor’s Office under docket number IIE-247 for violating R.A. 9208. Meanwhile, the victims are under the safe custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

- Michael Urieta