NBI arrests 3 in kidney trafficking, rescues 9 victims

Authorities arrested three suspects and rescued nine victims involved in kidney organ trafficking in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan on July 11.

Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police, and local social workers conducted the rescue operation following complaints regarding individuals engaged in kidney trafficking.

The arrested individuals—Angela Atayde, Marichu Lomibao, and Dannel Sicat—are now in NBI custody for proper booking procedures and will face inquest proceedings for violation of Section 4(h) of Republic Act No. 11862.

Four rescued victims had already undergone kidney extraction and sale, with suspects offering P200,000 per organ.

The leader of the group, Allan Ligaya, a head nurse at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), remains at large despite ongoing investigations into a Facebook group allegedly used for trafficking activities.

The rescued victims were handed over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further assistance.

The operation was initiated following a case referral from 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,' which detailed allegations of exploitation and trafficking.