By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed drug and human trafficking complaints against the wife and son of former lawmaker Mike Defensor, linking them to a raided establishment in Pasig City.
The NBI said the complaints, covering violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, were filed before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office on Friday.
Authorities raided the establishment on Tuesday, targeting a suspected human trafficking network. The operation led to the rescue of 54 women and the arrest of several individuals.
The NBI said its Special Task Group launched the raid following reports of recruitment and sexual exploitation.
Transactions allegedly ranged from PHP5,000 to PHP15,000 per encounter, with payments shared among facilitators, managers and others.
Seized items included marked money, suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and documents tied to the operation.
Citing corporate records, the NBI said the establishment is registered under Defensor’s wife and son.
The NBI, however, was quick to add that the information “is part of the ongoing investigation and does not, by itself, establish criminal liability.”
“All persons concerned are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law,” it said.
In a statement shared to the media, Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose, denied the accusation, calling it “baseless” and part of an “orchestrated smear campaign” designed to “artificially manufacture a case.”
“We have absolutely no connection to the targeted establishment or its operations,” she said. “Any attempt to link our family to the abhorrent acts allegedly committed is a deliberate, dangerous, and desperate lie.”
The NBI said rescued women were turned over to social welfare authorities for care and assistance.
“The NBI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to dismantle human trafficking networks, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law,” it said. (PNA)
