MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it rescued 15 women and arrested three individuals during an operation targeting an alleged illegal surrogacy agency in Porac, Pampanga.

In a statement, the NBI’s Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD) said the operation was launched following a complaint filed by a former surrogate mother against House of Surrogacy PH (HOS PH).

The complainant alleged that the agency recruited financially disadvantaged women to carry pregnancies for intended parents through deceptive arrangements. According to the complaint, the women were compensated for the pregnancies and required to relinquish custody of the children after birth to prospective adoptive parents. The complaint further alleged that the individuals involved facilitated the falsification of information in birth certificates.

As part of its investigation, NBI-HTRAD coordinated with the Department of Health, which confirmed that HOS PH is not licensed or accredited as a healthcare facility. The bureau also worked with the NBI Central Luzon Regional Office and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Porac.

The NBI said surveillance operations and an undercover investigation led agents to identify the individuals allegedly involved and uncover the purported exploitation of surrogate mothers. Investigators also located a second facility in Porac where additional pregnant women were allegedly being housed.

After confirming the presence of both the suspects and the women in the two facilities, NBI-HTRAD, together with representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Project Rescue Children, carried out simultaneous raids.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the rescue of 15 victims, according to the NBI.

Authorities said the arrested individuals were informed of the alleged violations against them and their constitutional rights before being taken to NBI-HTRAD headquarters for booking procedures.

The bureau said it is preparing documents for the inquest proceedings and the filing of charges under applicable laws.

NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag said the agency remains committed to addressing human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

“No individual should be treated as a commodity or be exploited because of their circumstances. The NBI will relentlessly pursue those who prey on the vulnerable and will continue working closely with partner agencies to uphold the law, protect victims, and ensure that justice prevails,” Matibag said.