DAVAO CITY — A massage spa in Davao was raided by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation–Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) for allegedly operating as a front for prostitution involving minors. The entrapment operation, conducted on Tuesday evening, October 7, 2025, resulted in the arrest of the female owner known by the alias “Boss Ma’am” or “Madam Ram,” and the rescue of at least one underage victim.
According to NBI-SEMRO Special Investigator Vernon Joel Firmalino, the suspect was caught red-handed employing minors as masseuses offering illicit “extra services” for ₱3,500. The spa, reportedly operating for four years, was discovered after a complaint was filed by the mother and grandmother of two missing minors who had traveled from Davao Occidental to work in Davao City.
Acting under the directive of NBI National Director Judge Jaime Santiago (Ret.) and the supervision of Regional Director Atty. Arcelito C. Albao, an undercover agent posed as a client and successfully arranged the illegal service through online and phone transactions. Operatives immediately moved in after confirming the deal.
Authorities rescued six women, including a 16-year-old minor who has been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for debriefing, medical assessment, and psychosocial intervention. However, two other minors—aged 12 and 16—were not found during the raid.
“We suspect that they might be in another branch or involved in an escort service,” Albao said, adding that the NBI continues to search for the missing girls.
The suspect, now in NBI custody, faces charges of Qualified Human Trafficking and violations of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Albao further revealed that the suspect claimed the minors had parental consent, an assertion the NBI is still investigating. “We will pursue traffickers from shadow to light until every child is safe,” he added.
The operation underscores the NBI’s ongoing campaign against human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors in the region.