BAGUIO CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) rescued 11 female victims, including six minors, and arrested two alleged human traffickers in an entrapment operation at a hotel in Baguio City on Aug. 3.

The NBI-Cordillera Administrative Region (NBI-CAR) said the operation stemmed from verified intelligence that a woman identified as “Rose” was allegedly recruiting and transporting women from Bulacan to Baguio City for sexual services in exchange for money.

Through controlled communications, the suspect allegedly agreed to bring several women to Baguio and requested two private vans for their transportation.

The group subsequently traveled from Bulacan to Baguio in two vehicles. Upon reaching the target hotel, the woman allegedly brought the 11 victims into a room where undercover NBI agents were posing as customers.

She allegedly accepted an envelope containing marked money and boodle money representing payment for bringing the women for sexual services. After the prearranged signal was given, NBI agents entered the room, arrested the suspect, and rescued the victims.

A male companion identified as “Jivan” was later arrested at the hotel lobby. The NBI said he was identified as an alleged accomplice who helped organize and transport the victims.

He reportedly escorted four of the women into the second van and allegedly encouraged them to perform well for their supposed customers so they could earn more.

The rescued victims were immediately turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for protective custody, assessment, counseling, and other appropriate interventions.

The two suspects were brought to the NBI-CAR office for booking, medical examination, and custodial processing after being informed of the grounds for their arrest and their constitutional rights.

The NBI said charges for qualified trafficking in persons under Sections 4(a) and 6(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Acts No. 10364 and 11862, as well as violations of Republic Act No. 7610, were filed against the suspects.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting women and children from sexual exploitation.

He also urged the public to report suspected trafficking activities to the nearest NBI office or appropriate law enforcement authorities.