3 Koreans nabbed for alleged exploitation of minors in Angeles City

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — Authorities arrested three Korean men for allegedly using two Filipino minors in an unauthorized gaming operation in Angeles City on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said the mother of the two minors sought assistance from authorities after reporting that her children had been staying at an apartment occupied by foreign nationals in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City.

READ: 2 minors nabbed for trafficking 11 fellow minors in QC – NBI

Article continues after this advertisement

Police officers from Station 4 of the Angeles City Police Station responded to the complaint and proceeded to the apartment at around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they allegedly found one of the minors seated in front of a computer.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Investigation revealed that the two boys, aged 16 and 17, were allegedly recruited by an individual known only by an alias and brought to the suspects,” PRO3 said.

The police said the minors were made to work from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, playing the online game Lineage Classic for the foreigners, and were paid P500 each per shift.

“Investigators also discovered that the operation allegedly lacked the necessary business and employment permits. Several computer units were seized as evidence,” it added.

The three Korean occupants of the apartment were arrested, while the Filipino man who allegedly recruited the minors remains at large.

Article continues after this advertisement

Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, PRO3 director, said the foreigners and the recruiter may face charges for alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in safeguarding the welfare and rights of children. We commend the swift action of our personnel and encourage the public to report any form of child exploitation, trafficking, or abuse,” Mendez said./coa

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.