PNP orders intensified campaign vs prostitution after Senate hearing

January 29, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday has ordered the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) to intensify the campaign against prostitution.

This after Malacanang said that an investigation will be conducted on the alleged prostitution activities in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) industry.

“PNP chief PGen Archie Francisco Gamboa has ordered the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) under Police Brigadier General Alessandro Abella to intensify further the campaign against prostitution in coordination with local police units, Local Government Units, and local social welfare offices,” said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, in a statement.

Based on their data, in 2019, the WCPC rescued 140 foreign victims and arrested 55 suspects during raids on sex dens.

Banac added the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) also launched operations which busted an additional number of prostitution dens in Metro Manila.

The PNP reiterated its reminder to foreign visitors, tourists and workers to  follow the country's laws or face arrest.

“We urge the public to remain alert and vigilant and report to authorities suspected sex dens and other illegal acts committed by foreign nationals,” he said.

During Tuesday’s Senate hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairman of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, conducted an investigation in aid of legislation regarding the reported emergence of prostitution dens in the country involving Chinese Pogo employees.

She alleged that the boom of the Pogo industry in the country was also the proliferation of human trafficking and prostitution, mostly involving Chinese women. Ella Dionisio/DMS