A Chinese national known only as Boss Ayang was sentenced to two life terms. He was ordered to pay a fine of P4 million.
A Chinese national was convicted by a Pasay court for operating a prostitution ring that exploited Filipino women, including a minor.
These women were coerced into sexual services catering to foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The court sentenced “Boss Ayang” to two life imprisonments and imposed a fine of P4 million. The conviction was based on violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
The case stemmed from a raid in November 2023, where 14 Filipino women were rescued. The victims testified about being forced to service multiple clients per month and remitting half of their earnings to Ayang.
“[The] accused collected the shares of several women only because accused Ayang ordered her to do so, to which she agreed in her desperate attempt to earn money considering that the number of her customers had decreased,” the court said, as quoted by GMA News.
While Ayang faced severe consequences, two other individuals involved in the operation were acquitted.
A Filipina accomplice, initially implicated, was exonerated as the court determined her role was limited to collecting payments on Ayang's behalf. She was, however, recognized as a victim of human trafficking herself.
Another Chinese national, Ayang's life partner, was also acquitted due to insufficient evidence. This individual will be deported from the Philippines.
The case highlights the alarming issue of human trafficking linked to the POGO industry in the Philippines. It underscores the urgent need for stricter law enforcement and comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Read related article: Chinese National Coerces Women into Sexual Services for POGO Clients
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