NBI rescues 27 girls, including 4 minors, from sex traffickers

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) rescued 27 Filipino girls, including four minors, while arresting five Chinese nationals, six Filipinos, and one Malaysian in separate operations on Tuesday.

According to NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc, the perpetrators used Telegram app to identify potential victims before grooming them into emotional or financial dependence.

Once isolated from family and friends, the victims were exploited for sex trade purposes; minors were reportedly offered through a messaging app.

NBI agents raided units in a condominium complex on Sept. 6 and 7, leading to the arrests of an alleged Chinese ringleader and others involved in using technology like social media and generative AI for their illegal activities.

The suspects are facing human trafficking complaints following inquest proceedings.