MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said alterations made to the layout of an entertainment bar and hotel operated by the family of former lawmaker Mike Defensor were intended to facilitate alleged human trafficking activities.

During a press briefing, NBI Director Melvin Matibag and bureau agents presented building plans of the Chicago KTV Bar and Bleu Hotel, pointing to differences between the approved design and the actual structure of the establishments.

According to the NBI, the modifications included a concealed passage connecting the bar and hotel, allowing women to move directly to hotel rooms. Investigators also identified what they described as fake fire exits that were allegedly used to direct customers from the bar to the hotel.

Matibag said the bureau’s investigation found significant discrepancies between the plans approved by the Pasig City Engineer’s Office and the existing structure of Cliffpoint Square, the property’s lessor.

He added that discreet vehicle exit points had also been incorporated into the building.

“What’s the bottom line? They changed the design so that the Chicago and Bleu Hotel could perpetrate what they were doing, human trafficking. And Mike Defensor clearly knew,” Matibag said.

“So they are not ordinary lessors, so they really planned what they were going to do. They even violated the building code, changing the design without notice,” he added.

Matibag said the NBI is preparing to file a human trafficking complaint against Defensor before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office.

He added that similar complaints would also be filed against other officials of the establishment, including another child of Defensor who served as corporate secretary.

The bureau had earlier filed complaints against Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose Defensor, and their son, Miguel Gabriel Defensor, whose names appeared in the company’s corporate records.

The NBI conducted a raid at the establishment on April 21 and rescued 54 women during the operation.

Defensor has previously denied the allegations against him.