Sent to work in San Fernando, La Union: Three minors, 13 others rescued from flesh trade

By George Trillo

MALOLOS CITY – Sixteen women, including three minors, were rescued by Bulacan police from two prostitution syndicates in separate operations on March 29.

Senior Supt. Allen Bantolo, acting Bulacan police director, said six suspects were arrested, four of whom were identified as Charlotte Santarina, Benjamin Estrella, Josephine Ocampo-Muli and Chai Gabon who allegedly worked for one of the syndicates that purportedly has connections in Singapore and Malaysia.

The two other suspects – Patricia Pinote and her younger sister, Evangeline Pangilinan, of Barangay Bangkal this city – were arrested after a police team rescued five women, including the three minors, in San Fernando, La Union where they had been sent to work in a videoke bar.

Bantolo said that a victim, in a complaint filed against Santarina and her cohorts three weeks ago, was sent to a nightclub in Singapore to work as an entertainer but was forced to have sex with their clients.

“It’s a very sensitive case and we need to know the extent of their modus operandi,” Bantolo said.

The police raid, though, came a day late, as the suspects were able to send 10 women to Singapore last week.

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