Bar owner, ‘pimp’ face human trafficking raps

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A KTV bar owner and an alleged pimp are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) for forcing a woman to become a commercial sex worker.

lnday (not her real name) complained to the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Roxas City PNP about her ordeal in the hands of  alleged pimp Jonifer Panes, who also used the name Gester Ledesma, and KTV bar owner Alina Alico of Arellano Street in Barangay 3 here.

The other pimp identified as Nita Arisgado escaped from the police.

The 21-year-old victim said she was traumatized after working for Arellano Bar on Arellano St. here.

Inday told the police that Panes offered her a job as waitress in the restaurant. Because she wanted to help her family and raise her one-year-old child, she agreed and went with Panes.

During her first three days at the restaurant, she served foods and drinks to the customers but later on, the male customers began touching her private parts.

The customers complained to Panes and the latter scolded and told her to do the customers’ bidding.

Panes and Alico are detained at the police station.