Cebuana‬ Teen Rescued From Prostitution

The Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC), extended financial assistance in the rescue of a Cebuana teen from prostitution in a night club in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Led by the operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation Region 7, the 17-year-old girl from Poro, Camotes was returned to her mother’s arms after they raided the 4 S Jomeroche Resto Bar last Jan. 9.

A teary-eyed mother appeared during the press briefing at the Vice Governor’s conference room, thanking Capitol and PWC officials as well as the NBI for the rescue of her daughter.

“Magpasalamat gyud ko og taman nila ni Gov. Hilario Davide, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale og sa PWC sa ilang dako kaayong tabang,” said the mother, whose name is withheld to protect the identity of the girl.

NBI 7 special investigator Agapito Gierran said the mother provided them the address of her daughter’s whereabouts in Sta. Cruz Laguna.

Gov. Hilario P. Davide III praised the NBI agents for their exemplary efforts in rescuing the girl. “I will commend the NBI for a job well done. The rescue shows that PWC is ready to help. Bisan asa basta ang biktima bata nga gikan sa Cebu atong gyung tabangan,” Davide said.

NBI regional director Ricardo Diaz thanked Gov. Davide and Vice. Gov. Magpale for the financial assistance the Capitol extended for the rescue operation.

According to the victim’s mother, she received a text from her daughter last Jan.7 pleading for help. So, she went to the local Department of Social Welfare and Development office in Camotes to inform them on the plight of her daughter.

In return, the DSWD Camotes contacted the Capitol, which dispatched its personnel from the PWC to help rescue the missing girl.

“The good thing is we have a very good network in the PWC. Law enforcements agencies are part of our technical working group so we can easily coordinate with them,” said Magpale, who is the vice chairman of PWC. Kelvin Canizares/PIO