DSWD monitors prostitution dens in Pototan
Night clubs and KTV bars in Pototan, Iloilo are being closely monitored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 after the agency received reports that these establishments serve as “fronts” of prostitution dens.
Delia Bagolcol, social welfare officer 4 of DSWD 6, said that earlier five females, including a 12-year-old, were intercepted by policemen in Dumangas port.
Upon police interrogation, they found out that the females, who are from Cebu, have been victims of human trafficking.
The victims said they were hired in Cebu City to work as waitresses in Traveller’s Place in Pototan but their employer encouraged them to provide “extra service” or have sex with their customers.
Bagolcol said one of the four females, who happened to be the elder sister of the minor, begged their employer to spare her younger sister as she would provide the “extra service” instead.
After a month, the victims were able to escape and were supposed to go home before they were intercepted.
The local social welfare office and the police reported the prostitution den’s operation to the mayor’s office which then temporarily cancelled the permit of Traveller’s Place.
Still, Bagolcol said they have received information that the Traveller’s Place is sometimes open.
“We have to strengthen our campaign against human trafficking so that there will be no more victims especially minors,” Bagolcol said.*
