KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Nine individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking, including a minor, were rescued during an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Eastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO) at a bar in Barangay Zone I, Koronadal City, on Friday night, August 7, 2026.
Two floor managers of the establishment, who were allegedly acting as recruiters or pimps, were arrested during the operation.
The NBI-CEMRO reportedly launched the operation after receiving information regarding alleged illegal activities taking place inside the bar. The intelligence prompted investigators to conduct an entrapment operation aimed at verifying the reported trafficking activities and identifying those allegedly responsible.
During the operation, authorities rescued nine individuals who were allegedly being exploited at the establishment. One of those rescued was confirmed to be a minor, prompting authorities to immediately place the child under appropriate protective procedures and ensure that the victim would be handled in accordance with laws governing the protection of children and trafficking victims.
The two arrested floor managers were taken into NBI custody for documentation, investigation, and the filing of appropriate charges. Authorities are expected to determine their specific roles in the alleged trafficking operation as the investigation progresses.
The operation also raised concerns over the possibility that the bar may have been used as a venue for the exploitation and recruitment of vulnerable individuals. Investigators are now looking into the establishment’s operations, the identities of its owners and other personnel, and whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged trafficking scheme.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that further arrests may be made if evidence establishes the involvement of other individuals.
The rescued victims are expected to undergo assessment, documentation, and other appropriate interventions to determine their circumstances and provide them with necessary assistance and protection.
The operation underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to crack down on human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in commercial establishments. Authorities are also expected to pursue the case against those responsible based on evidence gathered during the operation.
The NBI has yet to release additional details regarding the identities of the arrested suspects and the rescued victims, particularly the minor, in order to protect their privacy and ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.