Nina Muslim
Nine Filipinas have been arrested for alleged involvement in prostitution, following a police complaint filed by Philippine authorities on behalf of three women, who had been tricked into prostitution.
The Philippine Consulate General said the nine, most of them believed to be prostitutes, were arrested at their villa in Rigga on October 30.
Rafael Palencia, assistance to nationals officer at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, told Gulf News that the police acted on a complaint filed by the consulate and three women, who had come to the consulate seeking help after escaping their pimps on October 20.
"We are fed up with these pimps and requested the police to take action. Credit should go to the police for their quick action," he said.
"This is a breakthrough and will serve as warning that we will coordinate with authorities."
The consulate has received more than 30 cases since it opened its doors last year.
Palencia said this was the first time the consulate directly informed the police on prostitution cases involving their citizens.
He said the consulate did not take direct action previously. Some of the victims were reluctant to press charges or were "willing victims".
He said consulate officials would discuss the arrests and whether to pursue their own charges against the women if and when they were deported to the Philippines.
The Philippines have stringent anti-human trafficking laws, with penalties ranging from a lengthy jail sentence to death depending on the severity of the charges.
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