24 ‘trafficked’ women in Boracay ‘willing victims’

The 24 women who were alleged victims of human trafficking here refused to file any complaint in court, according to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Aklan.
They may be considered “willing victims,” PSWDO head Evangeline Gallega said in light of the office’s investigation.
The women, who came from different provinces across the Philippines, were purportedly being forced into commercial sex.
Authorities rescued them from Video King Bar in Sitio Tulubhan, Barangay Manoc-manoc here, on March 5 after an entrapment operation against bar workers Nestor Fabiano Jr., 32, of Mabolo Drive, Naga City, and Boyet Fajarito Jr., 29, of Gabawan, Odiongan, Romblon.
Fabiano and Fajarito were facing charges for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
“The victims denied they were engaged in prostitution,” said Gallega. Still, “we coordinated with their respective provinces and asked them to go home.”
Fabiano and Fajarito were arrested after receiving P4,000 cash from an undercover agent who “hired” three of the women for sex.
All 24 women were temporarily billeted at the Comprehensive Center for Women in Kalibo, capital town of Aklan. Social workers interviewed them one by one.
Gallega admitted they can only do so much for these women. “We actually expect them to return to Boracay and return to their job,” she said.