NBI goes undercover, busts alleged traffickers in Baguio; 11 women, 6 minors rescued

Suspects allegedly caught after undercover agents posed as customers in hotel entrapment

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Two alleged human traffickers were arrested after National Bureau of Investigation–Cordillera Administrative Region (NBI-CAR) agents posed as customers in an entrapment operation that led to the rescue of 11 women, including six minors, at a hotel in Baguio City on August 3, 2026.

The operation stemmed from intelligence received and verified by the NBI regarding a woman identified by the alias “Rose,” who was allegedly recruiting and transporting women from Bulacan to Baguio City to provide sexual services in exchange for money.

According to the NBI, Rose brought the 11 women to the hotel and presented them to undercover operatives posing as customers.

She was arrested after allegedly receiving payment for facilitating the women’s transportation and delivery for sexual services.

Authorities also arrested her alleged male accomplice, identified by the alias “Jivan,” at the hotel lobby.

Investigators said Jivan allegedly assisted in organizing and transporting the victims and escorted four of them into a second vehicle.

The two suspects were charged the following day with Qualified Trafficking in Persons and alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Caught on camera

The entrapment operation was documented using body-worn cameras and a miniature camera carried by an undercover operative to record the alleged transactions and arrests.

The 11 rescued women were immediately turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for protective custody, assessment, counseling, and other appropriate interventions.

Following the investigation, authorities verified that six of the 11 rescued victims were below 18 years old.

Protecting victims

The Baguio operation highlights the continuing need for close coordination among law enforcement and social welfare agencies in identifying trafficking networks, rescuing victims, and ensuring that survivors receive protection and appropriate assistance.

The involvement of six minors among those rescued also underscores the heightened legal protection afforded to children under Philippine anti-trafficking and child-protection laws.

For Baguio City, the latest operation adds to a series of trafficking-related cases previously uncovered in the city, while reinforcing the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and stronger protection for women and children vulnerable to exploitation.

Previous trafficking cases in Baguio

The latest operation adds to a series of trafficking-related cases previously uncovered in Baguio City.

On January 11, 2023, authorities reportedly rescued 30 women from establishments along Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio City who were believed to be victims of human trafficking.

Later that year, in June 2023, NBI-Cordillera agents, together with Exodus Road Philippines, raided a suspected brothel disguised as a massage parlor along Lower Bokawkan Road, rescuing 14 women allegedly recruited for sexual exploitation.

The operation also resulted in the filing of qualified trafficking charges against individuals connected to the establishment.

The previous cases show that the latest rescue is not an isolated trafficking-related incident in the city, although the 2023 operations involved different establishments and suspects.

Trafficking cases across Northern Luzon

Trafficking investigations have also continued in other parts of Northern Luzon.

On February 10, 2026, the NBI-Ilocos Regional Office and NBI-Vigan District Office, together with social welfare authorities, rescued a 16-year-old victim in San Fernando, La Union, and arrested three suspects.

Authorities said the minor had allegedly been recruited under the promise of restaurant employment but was instead transported and exploited as a bar worker.

The NBI has also handled cases involving the online sexual exploitation of children.

On April 30, 2026, the NBI-Human Trafficking Division and NBI-Caraga agents arrested a suspect in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, and rescued six minors who were allegedly subjected to online sexual exploitation.

In another major operation on June 1, 2025, authorities arrested five suspects and rescued 45 individuals, including 13 minors, from an alleged sex-trafficking operation at an entertainment bar in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City.

Investigators said women entertainers were allegedly offered to customers for sexual services through so-called “barfine” arrangements reportedly costing between ₱5,000 and ₱10,000.

The latest Baguio operation underscores how intelligence gathering, undercover work, and coordinated action among law enforcement and social welfare agencies can help disrupt trafficking operations and bring vulnerable victims to safety.