By Junex Doronio
A FUMING Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a “no-nonsense” investigation why the Pasay City police chief, the commander, and all members of the local Sub-Station are seemingly oblivious that a “high-end” prostitution racket proliferates in their area of jurisdiction.
Abalos made the order after an internet gaming license (IGL) center in their jurisdiction has been raided for alleged involvement in human trafficking and prostitution.
“It is highly improbable to think that an entire six-story building essentially dedicated for criminal activity, involving 600 potential victims, could somehow escape the notice of the local Sub-Station Commander,” Abalos said.
The DILG chief wrote a letter to PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. and ordered that the police should promptly look into the case.
Abalos recommended the relief of the Pasay City Police Chief, as well as the commander and all the members of the local Sub-Station pending investigation.
The above policemen could not be reached as of this posting.
Abalos, who also chairs the National Police Commission (Napolcom), said he was ordering the investigation as part of the commission’s mandate to administer and control the PNP.
Last October 27, a massive human trafficking operation was uncovered by authorities at the premises of Smart Web Technology located on Harrison Street in Pasay City.
Rescued were 589 possible victims of forced labor and seven women victims of sexual exploitation.
The authorities also discovered numerous rooms in the six-story building were used purportedly for sex trafficking and illicit online gaming.
(AI/MNM)
