Bar Operators Charged For Exploiting Minors in the Philippines

She was hired as a bar girl to entertain customers of a KTV bar in Ubay town, northeastern Bohol. But 16-year-old Mia (not her real name) was also good for "take out" by customers who pay her P1,500 [$34] for sex. Mia, a native of Bohol, and seven young Cebuanas were rescued by operatives of the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RATF) last Oct. 21. Four persons were arrested for allegedly exploiting the minors aged 15 to 17. Charges of qualified trafficking were recently filed against the accused's live-in partner, their "trustee," and the cashier before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City. … Surveillance operations were earlier made by law enforcers to confirm the alleged sexual exploitation of minors inside a KTV bar in the place. … The eight girls were rescued and turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas