Pontevedra bar owner, cashier charged with trafficking

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police filed charges on Friday, July 25, against a bar owner and her cashier for violating Republic Act 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.

The complaint was submitted to the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office following a rescue operation involving minor and adult women allegedly employed as entertainers.

Police identified the bar owner as alias “Ruby,” 32, of Bantayan, Cebu, and the cashier as alias “Tidong,” 21, of Panit-an, Capiz.

On Wednesday night, July 23, operatives from the Women and Children Protection Center–Visayas Field Unit conducted a rescue operation at a bar in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Pontevedra.

Authorities responded to reports that minor girls were being employed at the establishment.

Seven female individuals, including at least one minor, were rescued and turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Crisis Center in Pontevedra.

The victims are undergoing psychological assessment, evaluation, and interviews.

Police said the investigation is ongoing to determine the legality of the bar’s operations and whether it was properly licensed.