May 11, 2024 - Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla issued a stern warning against foreign nationals involved in unlawful businesses in the Philippines. This comes after the Department of Justice (DOJ) received a new set of cases against Chinese nationals involved in the operations of a prostitution and scam hub in Pasay City, which was raided by authorities on October 27, 2023.
In an 8-page complaint affidavit, the Philippine National Police - Luzon Field Unit - Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-LFU-WCPC) charged 26 Chinese respondents before the DOJ for serious illegal detention and various violations of anti-trafficking laws.
Last year, joint efforts of the DOJ-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), PNP, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) led to the successful rescue operations of several victims of prostitution and labor exploitation at the Smart Web Technology Corporation in Pasay City. The operation was allegedly run by the charged Chinese respondents.
Secretary Remulla stressed the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens when foreigners abuse the hospitality and generosity of the Filipino people. “The Philippines is no haven for sinister aliens, ensure airtight cases are filed against them,” the Secretary added.
This is the third wave of cases filed against Chinese nationals involved in the operations of the infamous prostitution and exploitation hub. The stern warning from the Justice Secretary underscores the government’s commitment to uphold the law and protect its citizens from any form of exploitation.