14 GROs rescued in Tarlac

SOME 14 women, believed to be victims of sex slavery, were rescued by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (Cidu)-Central Visayas and Camiling Police during an entrapment operation in Barangay Palimbo, Camiling, Tarlac, Wednesday.

Cidu Regional Director Rudy Lacadin said the entrapment operation was conducted at Hilda “Kubo-Kubo” bar that resulted in the rescue of 14 Guest Relations Officer (GRO).

The alleged owners of the bar identified as Hilda Lao, 56, of Camiling, Tarlac and Benny Beritua, 27, cashier, a resident of Dagupan City were arrested during the operation, Lacadin said.

An e-mail was sent to the Cidu-Central Visayas by the Bacolod Cidu on the complaint lodged by Madona Ibanez of Barangay 1, Bacolod City against Vivian Pelayo of Barangay Paglaun also in Bacolod and a certain “Hilda” of Camiling, Tarlac for human trafficking.

Ibanez said her sister, Rachel, was recruited as a waitress in Pangasinan but she was later transferred to Camiling, Tarlac, the report said.

Lacadin said Rachel told police that she was held inside the bar for several months and did not receive any compensation from the owner.

Lacadin said Beritua was arrested after he allegedly offered two GROs to police officers for sex.

The rescued victims confirmed that they charge their customers P1,500 in exchange of sexual services. (Ric Sapnu)