The Malay Municipal Police Station, 2nd Aklan Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Aklan Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force recently conducted operations resulting in the rescue of 33 women who were being forced into prostitution at Sitio Tulubhana, a community located within Barangay Manoc-Manoc at popular tourist destination Boracay.

Six individuals were arrested including 42-year-old Richard Sauza, 26-year-old Kevin Martin, 23-year-old Mark Vincent Faulan, 43-year-old Fernando Fajardo, 56-year-old Rebecca Cainglet, and 22-year-old Karen Belonio. All suspects were said to be residing in the aforementioned neighborhood.

According to a release by Police Regional Office-6 spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, the victims were reportedly being exploited at two rented spaces and a former karaoke bar.

The suspects were caught in an entrapment operation where a “poseur customer” attempted to solicit prostitution services, wherein the suspects were in charge of arranging transactions.

The Malay Municipal Social Welfare Development Office is currently tending to the 33.

Meanwhile, a case is currently being filed against the suspects in violation of RA 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012./WDJ