Couple gets life in prison and fined by P2M for forcing teenager to do nude shows

MANILA, Philippines — A couple in Bulacan has been convicted of qualified human trafficking after luring a teenager to work for them as a domestic helper before forcing her to perform nude shows online for foreigners.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat) said on Thursday that the Malolos City Regional Trial Court Branch 4, in a 22-page decision, found the couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of qualified human trafficking, as defined and punished under the Republic. Law No. 9208, as amended.

The court sentenced both suspects to life imprisonment and also ordered them to pay a fine of P2 million each.

Additionally, they were ordered to pay the minor victim P500,000 for moral damages and P100,000 for exemplary damages.

According to Iacat, the teenager managed to escape and reported the situation to barangay officials, leading to the filing of charges against the couple.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Wendell Bendoval called the court’s ruling an important victory in the fight against human trafficking and the online sexual exploitation of children.

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He said the ruling sends a strong message to the offenders: “The Philippines will not tolerate such heinous acts.”

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‘Sounding testament’

De Iacat, for his part, said the couple’s conviction “is a resounding testament to the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to eradicate human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable members of society.”

“The Department of Justice, together with its law enforcement and judiciary partners, reaffirms its commitment to pursuing justice for victims of human trafficking and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law,” it added .

Earlier this week, the Iacat, the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a legal task force to ensure prompt and effective prosecution of cases of human trafficking in the country.

The Justice Department said the task force would handle cases related to human trafficking, online child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child sexual abuse or exploitation material that requires legal services from the OSG or its state representation.