Consulate reviews sex trafficking case against 4 Chinese nationals

CEBU. The four Chinese women who were arrested for alleged sexual trafficking. (Amper Campana)
CEBU. The four Chinese women who were arrested for alleged sexual trafficking. (Amper Campana)

THERE is no evidence the 34 Chinese women were involved in any illegal activity, the Chinese Consulate in Cebu said, as it reviews the case the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI Cevro) filed against its four citizens.

In a statement, the consulate said their officials went to the NBI Cevro immediately after the operation was conducted on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, to check on the Chinese nationals who had been rescued.

NBI Cevro Director Tomas Enrile told SunStar Cebu they are waiting for the court order to transfer the four arrested Chinese women to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

He said the rescued trafficked victims were turned over to the consular office.

“They were rescued because they were really victims. They were turned over to the consular office because no cases will be filed against them. They were recruited in China under the promise of a legal job but instead fell into prostitution,” Enrile said.

Thirty-four women were identified as victims in the suspected human trafficking operation of four Chinese nationals in Lapu-Lapu City.

The four are facing complaints for violations of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, for allegedly acting as pimp for the women who were sold to Chinese patrons.

“The Chinese Consulate in Cebu met with officials of the NBI right after we received a notice from them. The case is still being reviewed. On Monday evening, Aug. 5, the 34 Chinese female tourists were allowed to leave the NBI premises because no proof shows them to be involved in illegal actions,” the statement read.

The consulate, however, is silent on the alleged illegal activities of Zeng Dan, Quan Yiqing, Xiuzhu Wei and Xiushen Wei inside the premises of Royal One KTV located inside the compound of Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City.

The consulate assured that it will constantly coordinate with the NBI while the case is ongoing.

“We will continue to check the progress of the case and maintain close contact with the officials of the NBI,” the statement read. (JOB)

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