Australian, girl nabbed for human trafficking

CAMP OLIVAS -- An Australian and his cohort allegedly involved in human trafficking were apprehended by police inside their rented room at Bliss Hotel in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City last Monday.

Pampanga police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent R'Win Pagkalinawan identified those arrested as Peter Anthony Gardner, 50, of Maninda Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia; and cohort Jennifer David, 28, of Mt. View Subdivision, Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Prior to their arrest, the Mabalacat police received information from concerned citizens that minor girls have been seen coming in and out in pairs from the said hotel.

All the victims allegedly entered the room of Gardner, accompanied by David.

Pagkalinawan, after receiving the information, sent a team to verify the report.

With the hotel management’s coordination, the operatives proceeded to Room 220 where the Australian is billeted, and requested him to present his visitors, the report said.

Police said a certain Marlene (not her real name), 16, who came out of the room, was immediately rescued from the suspects.

The report said Marlene met David two days ago and told her at first that they will only have snacks at a fastfood chain. Then, David took Marlene to the room of the foreigner and took some full body pictures of the latter.

Gardner, while taking the pictures, also showed other sexy pictures of some female individuals to Marlene, police said.

Pagkalinawan said the two suspects are now detained at the Mabalacat Police Station as appropriate charges are being filed in court against them. (Ric Sapnu)