THE Taguig City government on Friday announced the rescue of five minors from a massage parlor as part of its intensified efforts to combat child abuse and exploitation.
Mayor Laarni Cayetano said the operation, carried out by the city’s Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in coordination with the Social Welfare and Development Office, also led to the arrest of two suspects.
Cayetano said the shop, located along Manuel L. Quezon St. in Barangay New Lower Bicutan was reportedly providing clients illicit sexual services.
She said although the rescued minors, aged 2, 3, 5, 8, and 14 years, were not directly involved in prostitution, they were found inside the massage parlor, which placed them in imminent risk of abuse, endangerment, and exploitation. Joel E. Zurbano
The minors are currently under the protective custody of the city government and will be moved to a child-caring facility where they will receive medical attention and psychosocial support.
The two individuals arrested, who are related to the minors, are now in detention and have been charged with violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by Republic Act 10364 and 11862), along with other child protection laws.
