Ex-beauty queen, Russian women rescued in Philippines trafficking operation

Philippine authorities have rescued a former beauty queen and five Russian women from a suspected human trafficking operation in Makati City, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.

The NBI’s International Operations Division conducted the operation on August 13 and arrested a male suspect allegedly involved in offering the women for commercial sexual exploitation.

According to the agency, the women had allegedly been presented as providers of public relations, modelling and companionship services. The NBI said the victims included pageant titleholders, artists and models.

Investigators arranged a booking with the suspect as part of an entrapment operation. The NBI said the suspect agreed to provide the women for 25,000 Philippine pesos each ($400), plus a commission.

He was arrested after accepting marked money from an undercover NBI operative, according to the agency.

The six women have been placed under the protective care of the Makati City Social Welfare and Development Office, where they will receive support and other necessary assistance, the NBI said.

By Sabina Mammadli